A historical survey of US heavy air tanker companies to the year 2000, compiled by Geoff Goodall
near Wrightwood California in September 2002. Photo by Leo Jarzomb, staff photographer San Gabriel Valley News Group
Commercial aerial fire bombing began during the 1950s. By the 1990s the US Forest Service, primary contractor for the US air tanker fleet, began implementing a series of policy changes which resulted in many older piston-engined aircraft types being excluded from USFS air tanker contracts, with priority given to turbines (P-3s and C-130As). Long established operators lost their annual summer USFS contracts and were forced to shut down.
The 1990s also brought the lomg-running investigation into the USFS Air Tanker Scandal in which USAF surplus C-130As issued to civilian tanker operators under a USFS scheme to modernise the fleet were instead used for military support logistics contracts in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf Wars. Media investigation revealed that C-130As delivered to tanker companies specifically to be modified as fire bombers had in fact being on-sold or used for other purposes. The scandal dragged on for a decade, resulting in a USFS officer and tanker identity being convicted of fraud and jailed. The investigation also took a disapproving look at the established practice of trading retired fire bombers to the USAF and US Navy museums in exchange for retired military aircraft, which provided newer aircraft to be tanked or for commercial resale.
End of an era
Fox Field air tanker attack base at Lancaster California during the
2003 summer, the final season of the glory days of mixed aircraft fleets.
Photo taken from the USFS tanker base tower by Dave Kelly Jnr.
Veteran tanker pilot Larry Kraus wrote in 2022:
"The 2003 season was the Last Hurrah because for reasons that were claimed to be for “public safety” all of the Federal Tanker Contracts were cancelled in June of the following year. This was a few days before I was to report for duty at Moses Lake with Douglas DC-7 Tanker 62. Overnight, we tanker pilots went from being considered more or less heroes to reckless maniacs as far as the official press releases went because we had a “Can Do Attitude”, which apparently made us unsafe. The aircraft couldn’t be used as tankers unless the operators could provide a manufacturer’s airframe life limit. The only one that initially qualified was the P-3, although the paperwork was really for a P-3C rather than the P-3A. The rest of us were out of luck
I’d better not say any more. That was 18 years ago but the wounds are still fresh."
The face and feel of the original US air tanker industry had changed forever. For this reason I have made the year 2000 the cut-off for fire bomber operators included in this historical listing. I want to record the remarkable variety of fire bombing outfits, their people and their aircraft before they are forgotten.
I have included agricultural spraying operators which used heavy aircraft. Some of these may have been used for fire bombing, possibly for Bureau of Land Management, State agencies, or contracts with commercial timber businesses. These are marked *
I hope these listings generate additional or correcting information and more pictures. Please Email me via the CONTACT page.
Abraham (Abe) B. Sellards, Safford AZ operated an agricultural application business from Stafford AZ from at least 1958
1963 USFS fire bombing contractor list included Abe's Aerial Service B-17 N17W and B-25s N6193C, N9117Z
In early 1963 Abe Sellard merged with air tanker firm Aircraft Specialties Inc at Mesa-Falcon Field AZ, under a new parent company named Aviation Specialties Inc. Abe Sellards continued as proprietor until the company's closure in 1985.
| Aircraft | Registration | Identity | Dates owned | Tanker # | Remarks |
| Grumman FM-2 Wildcat | N29B | Bu74763 | by58-4.59 | Sprayer with wingtip tanks and 2 large underwing chemical tanks Sold 14.4.59 to Mel Couer, Columbia CA | |
| Boeing B-17F | N17W | 42-29782 | 1960-4.63 | E84 | Leased .60 ex Central Aircraft Corp, Yakima WA converted 5.60 from sprayer to fire tanker #E84, commenced fire bombing operations 8.60, purchased 26.10.61 tfd 4.63 Aviation Specialties Inc, Mesa AZ |
| North American TB-25K Mitchell | N6123C | 44-86893 | 10.58-4.63 | C34 | Registered 8.10.58 ex USAF disposals at Davis Monthan AFB AZ tanked 5.59 fitted with agricultural spray bars tfd 4.63 Aviation Specialties Inc, Mesa AZ |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N9117Z | 44-29199 | 1.60-4.63 | C35 | Registered 1.60 ex USAF disposals at Davis Monthan AFB AZ tanked 4.60 fitted with agricultural spray bars tfd 4.63 Aviation Specialties Inc, Mesa AZ |
Photo by Brian R. Baker
Purchased the two Columbia Flying Service Grumman Avenger fire tankers and continued to operate them for several years.
| Grumman TBM Avenger | N9710Z | Bu53804 | c1965-1969 | E79 | purchased c65 ex Columbia Flying Service #E79 retired by 1969 at Grass Valley CA sold c70 to Ralph M. Ponte, Grass Valley CA, restored as a warbird |
| Grumman TBM | N9187Z | Bu53818 | c1965-1969 | E89 | purchased c65 ex Columbia Flying Service #E89 sold c70 to Ralph M. Ponte, Grass Valley CA, restored as a warbird |
Frank Prentice had flown biplane tankers from 1955 as an initial member of the Willows Air Tanker Squadron based at Willows CA flying seven N3Ns and Boeing Stearmans. In 1955-56 Prentice flew Willows Flying Service Stearman N75081 with the Californian tanker number #E1.
In 1960 Prentice established Ace Aerial Service at Ukiah Airport as a maintenance operation and the business with the same name is still there today. Frank Prentice retired from flying by 1971 to farm in the Willows/Chico area.
| Navy N3N | N45228 | Bu1763 | by 1960-c1964 | E21 21 | Operating as a tanker by 1960, flown by Frank Prentice Sold during 60s to Medlock Dusters, Davis CA |
N3N
N45228 at Ukiah CA 1960 having the retardant tank filled.
Photo by Frank Prentice, via Aerialvisuals
Grumman TBM Avenger tanker fleet were painted orange and black.
Aerial Applicators Inc was a subsidiary of Trans West Air Service with John D. Streeter Managing Director of both companies.
Ceased operations during 1981 when remaining aircraft were sold to other tanker companies.
Other aircraft:
T-6 Texan N7296C, Bell 47s N1166W, N1332X, N73914, Beech Twin Bonanza N5688D
| Grumman TBM Avenger | N7849C | Bu91617 | 1.59-1965 | D16 | purchased 29.1.59 fate unknown, struck-off USCR 22.5.65 |
| Grumman TBM | N4167A | 5237 | 1.62-1965 | D17 | purchased 31.1.62, fate unknown, struck-off USCR 22.5.65 |
| Grumman TBM | N4172A | Bu53708 | by63-1975 | D18 | retired, stripped hulk at SLC 1975 |
| Grumman TBM | N7029C | Bu53914 | 8.63-2.72 | D16 | sold 2.72 to Hicks & Lawrence as CF-BQS |
| Grumman TBM | N7848C | Bu91206 | by63-5.64 | D15 | crashed destroyed Rome, Oregon 22.5.64 |
| Grumman TBM | N8397H | Bu69459 | 8.63-1974 | D15 | purchased 8.63 ex Cisco Aircraft Inc, Lancaster CA stored u/s SLC 1966, became the second #D15 |
| Grumman TBM | N8398H | Bu53607 | 8.63-3.71 | D20 | purchased 8.63 ex Cisco Aircraft Inc, Lancaster CA sold 3.71 to Hicks & Lawrence as CF-ZYC |
| Grumman TBM | N9592C | Bu53256 | by63-6.71 | D19 | sold 2.72 to Hicks & Lawrence as CF-ZYB |
| Grumman TBM | not found | 1963 | Aerial Applicators TBM crashed in Utah 31.7.63 | ||
| Grumman TBM | N7858C | Bu91171 | 10.65-5.72 | D17 | sold 5.72 to Hicks & Lawrence as CF-BQT |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N7687C | 44-28925 | 8.64-5.68 | sold 5.68 to Tallmantz for movie Catch 22 | |
| Douglas DC-6 | N80MA | 43127 | 5.72-7.81 | D20 | sold 7.81 to Sis-Q Flying Service |
| Douglas DC-6 | N90MA | 43128 | 5.72-7.81 | D21 | sold 7.81 to Sis-Q Flying Service |
| Douglas DC-7B | N4889C | 45353 | 7.75-8.81 | (29) | spare aircraft, stored Allocated tanker #29 but not tanked sold 7.81 to Douglas County Aviation |
| Douglas DC-7C | N90804 | 45116 | 12.75-8.81 | 28 | sold 7.81 to Douglas County Aviation |
John Bowman trading as Aerial Services Inc, Anaheim CA.
An early B-25 tanker operator, apparently unconnected with Les Bowman's B-25 business at Long Beach CA.
John Bowman was killed on 22 July 1960 when he was an observer on board his B-25 N3446G which crashed during fire attack in Mill Canyon, San Gabriel Mountains.
| TB-25N Mitchell | N3446G | 44-31466 | 5.59-7.60 | 66 | Purchased 5.5.59 ex USAF disposals crashed 22.7.60 during fire attack near Acton CA: pilot James C. Armstrong, copilot and aircraft owner John Bowman were killed |
| B-25J Mitchell |
N3695G |
44-28926 |
8.59-5.60 |
- |
Purchased 20.8.59 ex USAF Disposals not tanked sold 5.60 to Dale Newton/Aero Union Corp Anderson CA |
Aero Ag Inc, Medford, Medford Municiple Airport Oregon
In early 1963 took over the fleet of Rogue Flying Service at Medford OR. Operated agricultural work as well as fire bombing.
Ceased operations by 1971 when remaining aircraft sold
Other aircraft:
Boeing Stearman N5158N, N1055N,
Callair A9B N7948V
Cessna 182G N3402S, Cessna 188 N9734V
In early 1963 took over the fleet of Rogue Flying Service at Medford OR. Operated agricultural work as well as fire bombing.
Ceased operations by 1971 when remaining aircraft sold
Other aircraft:
Boeing Stearman N5158N, N1055N,
Callair A9B N7948V
Cessna 182G N3402S, Cessna 188 N9734V
| Boeing B-17G | N5233V | 44-83863 | 4.63-1971 | F71 | tfd 1.4.63 ex Rogue Flying Service sold .71 to Idaho Aircraft Corp ID |
| PV-2 Harpoon | N7459C | Bu37230 | 4.63-1968 | 30 | tfd 1.4.63 ex Rogue Flying Service sold .68 to Clarks Aerial Service TX |
By 1957 established as an agricultural operator.
At that time military surplus Beech AT-11 Kansans were in widespread use across USA as agricultural sprayers and dusters, with hoppers installed in their bomb bays. Aero Atlas converted Beech AT-11s to fire tankers, installing two 1500 lbs max weight liquid retardant tanks inside the cabin with belly drop chute.
In 1959 carried out the first fire tanker conversion of a Douglas A-26 N5457V.
Ceased operations by 1963. Probably taken over by P&B Aviation, Red Bluff
| Beech AT-11 Kansan | N6956C | 42-37217 | 9.58-7.61 | 28 | two liquid tanks installedd for fire bombing in 7.59; sold 7.61 to P&B Aviation, Red Bluff |
| Beech AT-11 | N6961C | 43-10423 | by 1961 | 25 to 26 | crashed on takeoff 25.7.61 |
| Beech AT-11 | N6962C | 42-37569 | 12.57-12.59 | 27 | crashed on takeoff 1.12.59 carrying 2400 lbs weight of nitrate sulphate fire retardant |
| Beech AT-11 | N68Q | 43-10372 | by 1961-1963 | E24 | sold c62 to P&B Aviation, Red Bluff |
| Beech AT-11 | N79Q | 43-10435 | 9.58-7.59 | E25 | sold 7.59 to SV Flying Service CA |
| Douglas A-26 | N5457V | 44-34313 | by 1959-c1963 | 27 | sold c63 to Wilson Aviation Industries ID |
| Douglas A-26 | N7719C | 43-22392 | by 1961-c1963 | 26 | sold c63 to Rosenbalm Aviation OR |
| Douglas A-26 | N3428G | 44-35523 | by 1961-c1963 | - | no civil conv, sold c63 to Rosenbalm Aviation OR |
Photo by Milo Peltzer
Photo by Ron Olsen
Operated at least one Grumman Avenger fire tanker.
| Grumman TBM | N9547Z | Bu85957 | by 1963-c1965 | E80 |
sold c65 to Reeder Flying Service ID as #E80 |
Established at Troutdale OR in 1946 by Robert M. Sturges trading as Columbia Airmotive Inc
During WWII Bob Sturges had been a Boeing technical rep in Britain on B-17s and after the war set up Columbia Airmotive as an aircraft and parts dealership. He acquired the majority of Boeing's B-17 spare parts after the B-17 production lines were closed at the end of the war, making Columbia Airmotive the main source of B-17 support for civil and military customers.
In 1954 Sturges purchased the B-17 parts inventory of Kindred Aviation, Burbank CA which had broken up the final twenty B-17s of the vast numbers of war surplus aircraft at Kingman AZ.
Bob Sturges was a businessman and aviation entrepreneur, later being elected mayor of Troutdale. Sturges was among the first to design liquid tanks for larger aircraft initally for agricultural spraying but with the potential to drop retardant on fires.
Columbia Airmotive continues to this day as a Sturges family business at Troutdale Airport, specialising in antique aircraft parts.
During the 1950s Sturges formed two tanker businesses at Troutdale: Aero Flight Inc and Aero Enterprises Inc.
Among his many surplus military aircraft purchases, Sturges had acquired a derelict B-17F instructional airframe at Clarkston WA. He made it airworthy during 1953 and ferried it to Troutdale in February 1954 as N1340N. It was stored until converted to tanker #A34 at Klamath Falls OR in 7.61. Ownership transferred to Aero Enterprises Inc, Fresno in July 1964.
Aero Enterprises Inc moved base from Oregon to Fresno CA in 1964 when the company was taken over by Willis "King"Baker, an established tanker operator with bases at Willows CA and Fresno. King Baker had earlier been with CISCO Aircraft, Lancaster CA.
The purchase of the Northrop Reporter N9768Z from Mexico was a bold move by Baker to introduce a larger tanker, with a 1600 US gallon tank installed under its belly.
Aero Enterprises Inc at Fresno purchased North American T-28A Trojan N499KB circa 1967, using King Baker's initials. Sold by 1970.
The Fresno-based operation also used the name Farmers Aero Ag, Fresno CA.
Ceased operations in 1968 after selling both B-17s and leasing the Northrop Reporter to other Californian tanker operators
Aero Enterprises Inc/ Columbia Airmotive Inc, Troutdale OR:
| Boeing B-17F | N1340N | 42-6107 | 1961-7.64 | A34 | liquid tanks installed in bombay 7.61 by contractor at Klamath Falls OR tfd 28.7.64 to Aero Enterprises Inc, Fresno CA |
| Boeing B-17G | N7228C | 44-83857 | 2.62-2.63 | | purchased ex Aero Service Corp as derelict stripped parts ship at Philadelphia PA, rebuilt, registered 20.2.62 to Columbia Airmotive, sold 2.63 to King Baker Inc, Willows CA |
| Boeing B-17F | N1340N | 42-6107 | 7.64-1.68 | E34 | sold 19.1.68 to Aero Flite Inc W |
| Boeing B-17G | N7228C | 44-83857 | 3.65-3.66 | B31 | purchased 3.65 ex King Baker Inc, Fresno sold 3.66 to Aero Flite Inc WY |
| Northrop F-15A Reporter | N9768Z | 45-59300 | 6.64-11.64 | E65 | purchased 1.64 ex XB-FUJ Mexicana Aerofoto, tanked by Cal Nat Airways for Aero Enterprises, CofA 17.6.64 as tanker #E65 named The Pregnant Widow lsd 11.64-68 to Cal Nat Airways CA as #E35 sold 3.68 to TBM Inc CA as #E35 crashed on takeoff Hollister CA 6.9.68 |
Photo by Eddie Coates
yellow and white, with "AEI Aero Enterprises Inc, Fresno Calif" on the nose and name "Pregnant Widow"
Air tanker business founded by Robert M. Sturges, later elected mayor of Troutdale, Oregon and proprietor of Columbia Airmotive Inc at Troutdale Airport. See preceding listing for Aero Enterprises Inc.
Liquid tanks were designed for various ex miltary aircraft, initially for agricultural spraying work, but Sturges was among the very early fire bombing experimentation. Robert's son Ray Sturges was also involved with Aero Flight.
Aero Flight's Chief Engineer E.H. Fletcher maintained the A-24 sprayers and A-26 tankers
Aero Flight Inc operated Douglas Dauntless N9142H and N4488N for many years on a mosquito spraying contract for the City of Portland.
Through his business Columbia Airmotive, Bob Sturges acquired a variety of aircraft. Some of the more interesting:
- B-25K Mitchell N7674 purchased 1.69, flown in camouflage "Dirty Gertie from Bizerti", sold 6.78
- B-17G 44-83842 USAAF registered NL1212N to Columbia Airmotive in 1947. Sold 1948, ferried to Israel but impounded by Portugal
- B-17/PB-1G Bu77253 US Coast Guard ran off runway into lake NAS Sand Point WA 26.8.53. Wreck acquired by Sturges for parts.
- B-17G 43-38978 USAAF donated to Oregon State University at Corvallis: acquired by Sturges in 1955, broken up for parts
- Beech C-45F 44-87376 purchased from USAF disposals 2.60 for $6,339, CofA 10.61, sold 1.62 as N6778C
- P-40E N1223N ex RCAF 1038: acquired 1949, swapped with Leo "Ace" Demers at Salem Oregon for an Aeronca Chief
- P-40M N1233N ex RCAF 840: acquired 1954, advertising sign at Troutdale Airport then stored, sold 7.79, restored as warbird N1009N
- P-40K 42-9733: wartime USAAF wreck Amchitka Island, Aleutians: salvaged in 1969 by Sturges. Sold 1971. restored as warbird N4363
- In 1973 Sturges was negotiating with RAF Museum to supply the Stranraer CF-BXO and his Kittyhawk N1233N
Other aircraft regustered to Columbia Airmotive:
- Beech AT-11 N56263 purchased 2.9.63 ex Aero Service Corp (ex magnetometer survey), sold 8.1.73
- T-6 Texan N7975C, Stinson L-5 N63085, Vultee BT-13 N73731
| Grumman TBM | N9594C | Bu538091 | 1957 | Registered 20.2.57 Aero Flight Inc, struck-off USCR 20.9.57 | |
| Douglas A-26 | N86469 | 43-22511 | 1963-1969 | F57 to F56 | sold 14.4.70 to Aero Union, Chico CA #F56 |
| Douglas A-26 | N8026E | 44-35323 | 1968-1969 | C55 | sold .69 to Aero Union, Chico CA |
Founded in 1963 as a fire bombing business by brothers John W. and J. Ray Eglin, at Cody WY where they operated Elgin Flying Service which was a Cessna dealership. Ray Elgin was Aero Flite President and both brothers flew the tankers.
Turbo B-17 N1340N: The Elgin brothers were determined to improve B-17 performance by re-engining at least two B-17s with four RR Dart turboprop power plants from retired Viscount airliners. Aero Fite Inc planned to market the re-engining STC to other B-17 operators and made a signicant financial investment in the redesign and engineering modifications necessary. Aero Ventures Inc, an experienced tanker maintenance company at Twin Falls Idaho was tasked to carry out the work. At the end of the 1969 fire season, the first aircraft N1340N was delivered to Twin Falls. Two ex United Airlines Viscount 745Ds were acquired, N7451 ferried to Twin Falls and N7452 to Cody where it was stored pending the planned conversion of a second B-17.
N1340N made its first flight as a Turbo B-17 at Twin Falls on 5.5.70 flown by Ray Elgin. The four RR Dart 510 installation weighed 3,000 lbs less than the Wright Cyclones and gave 30% increased power. After test flying, the FAA approved its commercial use as a tanker with a 400 gallons increase in retardant payload up to 2400 gallons. The increased engine power allowed return flights to base after retardant drops to be flown with the two inboard Darts shut down and props feathered, as a fuel saving measure. The Elgin brothers were enthusiastic about the Turbo B-17, but tragedy struck. On 18.8.70 the Dart B-17 crashed during a fire bombing mission near Dubois, Wyoming. Ray Eglin and copilot John Bastian were killed when the left wing struck trees during the pull up after a retardant drop. The investigation established the Density Altitude at the drop as 13,000 feet, air temperature 90F with strong up and down wind draughts.
The FAA Supplemental Type Certificate for the Turbo B-17 was never completed and no others were converted. The Cody Viscount was sold to dealer Westairnair, Albuquerque NM and the stripped Twin Falls Viscount was still there in 1973.
After the Turbo B-17 accident, John Elgin took over as company President.
Other aircraft registered to Aero Flite Inc at Cody include: Cessna 188 N9891V, Aeronca 7AC N1281E and single-engined Cessnas.
By the late 1970s operations had moved from Cody to Kingman, Arizona
In 1986 the company was taken over by Matt J. Ziomeck and operations boosted with additional fire tanker C-54s. John Elgin remained in management and as a tanker captain. Fire tanker operations included Alaska.
FBO operation Kingman Aero Services was an associated business.
After 2000 Aero Flite Inc refinanced and became a significant tanker operator in the new corporate environment, using Canadair CL-215s, turboprop CL-415s and a fleet of BAe146/RJ-85 jet tankers in association with Canadian operator Conair.
The corporate name morphed into "Aero-Flite Inc" but the logo is "Aeroflite Aerial Firefighting".
Corporate office moved from Kingman to Spokane Washington effective 21 Novemner 2014.
| Boeing B-17G/ Coast Guard PB-1G | N9323R | Bu77254 | 1.64-1975 | B30 37 | purchased 3.1.64 ex Black Hills Aviation SD sold 12.75 to Kinney Air Tankers MT |
| Boeing B-17G/ Navy PB-1W | N7228C | Bu77226 | 3.66-8.67 | B31 | purchased 5.3.66 ex Aero Enterprises, Fresno CA crashed 29.8.67 firebombing near Kalispell MT |
| Boeing B-17F | N1340N | 42-6107 | 1.68-8.70 | A34 | purchased 19.1.68 ex Aero Enterprises, Fresno CA, ff 5.5.70 with 4 RR Darts as the only Turbo B-17, destroyed 18.8.70 during fire bombing Dubois WY |
| Douglas C-54 | N96358 | Bu90397 | 9.79-1.07 | 160 | purchased 23.9.79 ex Gerald Wilson, Idaho tanked by WAIG Inc, Tucson AZ tfd 7.89 to Aero Flite Inc, Kingman AZ later painted in Douglas DC-4 demonstrator scheme sold 25.1.07 to Brooks Air Fuel, Fairbanks AK |
| Douglas C-54 | N82FA | 45-507 | 8.94-2.06 | 161 | purchased 9.8.94 ex ARDCO, Tucson AZ as tanker #153 sold 2.06 to Brooks Air Fuel, Fairbanks AK |
| Douglas C-54 | N90203 | 45-481 | 1997-2013 | 163 | leased ex Hawkins & Powers repainted in DC-4 demonstrator scheme retired at Kingman AZ |
| Douglas C-54 | N3054V | Bu91994 | 11.01-6.07 | 162 | purchased ex Aero Union N76AU #26 repainted in DC-4 demonstrator scheme retired at Kingman AZ sold to 6.07 to Brooks Air Fuel, Fairbanks AK |
Photo by Milo Peltzer
Photo by Gordon Reid
Pest control spraying with Boeing Stearmans by 1951. Principal by 1959 was Maurice C. Young.
Three B-25s purchased 1959-60, at least one tanked for fire bombing. Grumman TBM Avenger tanker test aircraft purchased from USFS.
Boeing Stearmans: N1343V, N2535R, N49714, N50139, N5818N, N60723, N9030H, N9052H, N9080H, N9299H, N9301H, N9309H
| Grumman TBM | N1044 | Bu69325 | by 1963-1966 | | ex USFS test fire tanker N104Z |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N9076Z | 44-30772 | 1959-1964 | 06 | |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N9075Z | 45-8896 | 1960-1965 | Fire Control Category in 1963 FAA Register | |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N3514G | 44-86786 | 11.59-6.60 |
A tanker company based at Fairbanks in the early 1960s
By 1968 the company was owned by Don G. Gilbertson and James E. Anderson.
Gilbertson also operated the freight and charter airline Pacific Alaska Airlines, Fairbanks using DC-3s and DC-6s
- Five DC-3s and nine additional DC-6/C-118s of Pacific Alaska Airlines were registered to Aero Retardant Inc for varying periods.
Although some Pacific Alaska DC-6s had cabin tanks installed to carry fuel and oil to remote Alaskan localities, only the three listed below are believed to have been operated as fire tankers by Aero Retardant Inc.
- Also listed are two DC-6As leased by Pacific Alaska Airlines to Conair Ltd, Abbotsford BC for the 1976 budworm infestation forest spraying season in Quebec. They had liquid chemical tanks in the cabin and wing spraybars.
- Lockheed L18 Lodestar N8008 was purchased 17.1.68 by D.G.Gilbertson & J.E.Anderson dba Aero Retardant Inc, Fairbanks AK. Ownership changed 15.7.69 to D.G.Gilbertson dba Aircraft Marketing Inc. Sold 1971.
The DC-6 tankers were operated under the names of Pacific Alaska Airlines and Aero Retardant
| TB-25J Mitchell | N8196H | 44-86791 | 2.63-6.77 | 5 | tfd 6.77 to Pacific Alaska Airlines tfd 8.79 to Don Gilbertson, flown as warbird sold 6.82 to Australia, became VH-XXV |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N8163H | 44-86747 | 4.67-2.74 | 7 | tfd 2.74 to Pacific Alaska Airlines sold 2.77 to N,M.Wien, Anchorage as warbird |
| Douglas DC-6B | N66DG | 44081 | 12.71-1980 | 52 D2 | tfd .73 to Pacific Alaska Airlines sold 1980 to B&D Aircraft Inc, Chino CA, retired at Chino CA 1980, broken up 1987 |
| Douglas DC-6B | N77DG | 43520 | 3.71-12.75 | D1 | tfd 1.73 to Pacific Alaska Airlines crashed on takeoff Fairbanks 17.2.75 |
| Douglas DC-6 | N222DG | 43147 | 3.71-1976 | 16 | tfd 1.73 to Pacific Alaska Airlines retired Paine Field WA 1976, stripped, sold |
| Douglas DC-6A | N90782 | 44917 | 2.76-1977 | leased 19.3.76 to Conair Aviation as C-GIEE as a sprayer for the 1976 Quebec forest pest spraying season; returned 1.7.76 to Pacific Alaska Airlines sold .77 to Rosenbalm Aviation OR as freighter | |
| Douglas DC-6A | N44DG | 45373 | 1975-4.78 | leased 19.3.76 to Conair Aviation as C-GIEF as a sprayer for the 1976 Quebec forest spraying season; returned 7.76 to Pacific Alaska Airlines sold 4.78 Petroleum Air Transport, New Orleans |
Photo by Paul Veenboer
Photo by Geoff Goodall
Richardson's Airway, Yakima WA (agricultural)
Richardson Aviation, Yakima WA (FBO and flight school)
Agricultural spraying operation for the fruit orchards of the Yakima Valley. An associated business to Richardson Airway, Yakima WA which was formed in 1950 by Ralph Ray Richardson, a wartime USAAF pilot, as an ag spraying operation. In 1951 Ralph Richardson formed Richardson Aviation as a FBO and flight school. He had modified his black T-6 Texan to carry 3 passengers.
Richardson Airway had Boeing Stearman biplanes, then purchased Navy disposals Grumman TBMs which were converted to heavy sprayers which operated in USA and Canada. Some flew to Greece to spray olive tree plantations. Ralph Richardson flew agricultural work until aged 70.
to Two TB-25N Mitchells were purchased from USAF disposals and fitted with 1,000 gallon liquid tanks for fire bombing. The first completed was N9866C in May 1959 and operated for the 1959 fire season by Richardson's Airway. The company's entry into fire bombing seems to have ended in 1960 when both B-25 tankers were sold.
| Grumman TBM-3 |
N7032C (1 |
Bu53637 |
c1957-7.61 |
Richardson's Airway: purchased ex US Navy disposals crashed 9.7.61 on takeoff Idaho City ID |
|
| Grumman TBM-3S Avenger AS Mk.3 |
N7032C (2 |
Bu85460 (RCN) |
c1961-c1974 |
112 |
Richardson's Airway: sprayer and fire tanker Sold c74 to Hillcrest Aircraft Lewiston ID as tanker |
| TB-25N Mitchell |
N9865C | 44-28833 | 10.58-10.60 | |
Purchased ex USAF disposals at Davis Monthan AFB AZ. Registered 1.10.58 to Aero Spray Inc. converted 5.60 to fire tanker sold 10.60 to Western Air Industries, Redding CA |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N9866C | 44-28833 | 10.58-9.60 | |
Purchased ex USAF disposals at Davis Monthan AFB AZ. Registered 1.10.58 to Aero Spray Inc. converted 5.59 to fire tanker operated 1959 season by Richardson's Airway sold 9.60 to Red Dodge Inc, Anchorage AK |
The largest US fire bomber operator, Aero Union was a leader in introducing new aircraft types and improved retardant tank and delivery system designs. The company also bid for US Forest Service contracts for support work such as transporting fire fighters and equipment.
Founded in 1959 by Richard E. Foy and Dale P. Newton under the original name Western Air Industries, Anderson California.
Their first season used a B-25 tanker based at nearby Redding Airport CA. In 1961 the name was changed to Aero Union Corporation and the first two B-17 Fortress tankers were purchased.
During 1962 Aero Union moved its base to Chico Municipal Airport where it built up a major maintenance and engineering facility in the former air force hangars. Dale Newton was President, Dick Foy was Vice President and during the 1970-80s another experienced tanker man Roy D Reagan held a management position. Dick Foy left AU in 1989 to continue as Captain and Operations Manager of AU's Mini Guppy N422AU when it was sold to Jack Erickson as a freighter.
AU made a bold move in the late 1960s with the bulk purchase of ten Fairchild C-119C Flying Boxcars from USAF disposals at Davis Monthan AFB AZ to be its next generation heavy tankers. Included in the deal was a large stock of engines and spare parts stored in a hangar at Coolidge AZ. Five C-119Cs were ferried to Chico to be modified to tankers and five left in storage at Tucson to be stripped for parts as required. In 1974, with Douglas C-54s becoming available from military disposals, AU sold its C-119C tankers to Hemet Valley Flying Service, the sale including all spares inventory which included the five spare aircraft in Tucson.
AU retired its Grumman Avengers and Guardians at the end of the 1973 season when USFS dropped contracts for single-engined aircraft due to high accident rates. The introduction of Douglas C-54s and DC-6s as fire bombers allowed AU to find freight work outside the summer fire season. They were used for general cargo work as well as contracts to support fire operations. Aero Union's engineering experience on large prop transports resulted in AU-designed tanks being fitted to other operator's aircraft: during 1971-72 AU installed tanks in three Hawkins & Powers Aviation C-119Gs at Chico and in 1974 tanked two C-119Cs for Hemet Valley Flying Service. AU also carried out civil conversions and modifications at Chico on a variety of heavy aircraft. A number of additional C-54s were acquired either to be stripped for parts or resale.
During the year 2000 AU collaborated with Canadian companies Conair and Kelowna Flightcraft to develop the Convair 580 tanker. AU was contracted by Conair to adapt the AU constant-flow retardanrt delivery system for the CV580 and complete the design and certification for the type. The AU constant flow belly tank is a 1,750 Imperial Gallon capacity single non-compartmentalised reservoir, operated by a digital controller in the cockpit. Aeron Union carried out the work on a contract basis, but did not operate CV580s themselves
Aero Union Corp unexpectedly ceased operations in May 2011. The year began with an operational fleet of eight P-3 Orion Aerostars, but an FAA audit determined that AU was not in compliance with a mandatory structural fatigue inspection program. USFS cancelled Aero Union's current $30M contract for 6 P-3 tankers. Desperate negotiations to keep the P-3s in service failed and Aero Union filed for bankrupcy and over 200 employees lost their jobs.
The company had recently been taken over by new management following lengthy legal disputes and Federal court actions over ownership of ex-military P-3s and C-130s acquired under a USFS aircraft exchange scheme. This involved other tanker companies and became known as the USFS Air Tanker Scandal, resulting in Roy D. Reagan and a senior USFS official being jailed. The Government, through USFS, resumed ownership of a number of involved P-3s and C-130s from tanker companies, including Aero Union.
Between 1979-1982 AU acquired nine former US Navy Douglas C-117D transports from military surplus sales at Davis Monthan AFB Arizona. This was reported to have been an exchange program with the USAF Museum in return for retired AU aircraft which were restored for static display in original military markings and delivered to USAF base museums around the country. Most C-117Ds were ferried to Chico for civil conversion and resale as freighters, although the last three were left in storage in civil contractor's yards at Davis Monthan, stripped of engines and parts. The civilianised C-117Ds may have been used by AU on USFS support work prior to their resale.
C-117Ds: N1037A, N5597T, N5597V, N5598B, N5584N, Bu17160, Bu17287. Also civil Super DC-3S N567M.
The freight business was expanded to handle outsize cargo with the purchase of an ATL-98 Carvair and Aero Spacelines Mini Guppy:
- Air Traders ATL-98 Carvair N55243 (c/n 17 ex Sfair F-BVEF) purchased 26.11.79, ferried from France to Chico. Leased 4.81 to Kodiak Western Airlines for fish hauling. Returned to Chico by 10.81. Flown by AU on cargo charters, seen at Montreal Quebec 11.6.82 and Burbank CA 17.7.82 carrrying cars to Mexico. Sold 5.8.83 to Pacific Air Express, Honolulu.
- Aero Spacelines Boeing 377MG Mini Guppy N422AU: purchased 5.81 ex N422AJ. Rereg N422AU 11.81.
seen at Paris-Le Bourget 15.6.81 carrying Super Guppy sections; departed Aberdeen Scotland 18.12.84 carrying Chinook helicopter;
seen Toronto Ontario 8.3.85 carrying CP Air DC-10 damaged wing sections; seen Cincinatti OH 3.85;
sold 5.89 to Erickson Air Crane OR
Other aircraft:
- Douglas DC-3 N19930 (1964-1965)
- Lockheed PV-1 Howard Super Ventura N183PL (purchased 2.74, retired Chico by 78, sold 2001
- T-6 Texan N373N (1968-1975)
- Piasecki H-21C Workhorse: traded to USAF Museum, moved by road 20.12.89 from Chico to McClellan AFB CA
- Boeing 727-23 N1997 purchased 28.4.94 ex American Airlines, broken-up at Mojave CA in 1995
- Champion 7AC N1669E, PA-22 Tri-Pacer N2834P, PA-32 Cheroke Six N4122W, Cessna 206 N5175U, Cessna 182 N2822Y
- Dale P. Newton, Meford, Oregon was registered owner of Grumman FM-2 Wildcat N4845V from at least 1960 until sold in 1975. Possibly connected with Medford Air Service which operated Wildcat for agricultural spraying with underwing tanks
- Dale P. Newton, Chico CA purchased Navy N3N N45084 at the 1981 auction of Charlie T. Jenson's aircraft at the same time the TBM N3966A was purchased by Aero Union. The N3N was stored at Sacramento and had been tanker #11 with Jenson's company Nevadair.
Registered to Newton 10.6.81 until cancelled 29.11.12, by which time Newton's address had changed from Chico to Talent Oregon.
The N3N was stored in Aero Union hangar at Chico in 1990.
- Roy D. Reagan, Chico: Beech D17S N9459H restoration project, reg. 19.9.85 to Reagan, traded to US Navy Air Museum, displayed on hangar deck of aircraft carrier USS Yorktown by 1987, later displayed at the main museum at Pensacola FL.
- From 1981 operated as Reagan Enterprises Inc, Chico CA: acquired C-117Ds and C-118s from USAF disposals for commercial resale
| TB-25N Mitchell | N3695G | 44-28926 | 5.60-11.61 | purchased 5.60 Dale Newton, Anderson CA ex partnership with Dick Foy: Aerial Services, Anaheim CA: first aircraft, not tanked, sold 11.61 to Marson Equipment AZ, as part of deal to purchase two B-17/PB-1Ws | |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N9865C | 44-28834 | 10.60-2.63 | E30 | purchased ex Aero Spray,Vancouver WA tanked sold 2.63 to Clayton Curtiss, Boise ID |
| Boeing B-17G Fortress | N9323Z | 44-83514 | 11.60-1.78 | E17 C17 17 | purchased 11.60 ex Acme Aircraft Parts CA tanked .60 at Redding CA rest. 77 Chico to military as USAAF Class of 44 sold 1.78 to Confederate Air Force TX |
| Boeing B-17G | N9324Z | 44-83542 | 11.60-7.71 | E16 C18 E18 | purchased 11.60 ex Acme Aircraft Parts CA tanked 10.61 badly dam 12.7.71 forced landing gear-up Benson AZ wreck in Allied Avtn yard Davis Monthan AFB AZ 4.72 |
| Boeing B-17G/ PB-1W | N5230V | Bu77244 | 9.61-1979 | C19 E19 19 | purchased 27.9.61 ex Marson Equipment AZ ferried from AZ in USN blue "XD-10", traded .79 to USAF Museum delivered .80 from Chico to Barksdale AFB LA |
| Boeing B-17G/ PB-1W | N5233V | Bu77231 | 9.61-1.62 | - | purchased 27.9.61 ex Marson Equipment AZ ferried from AZ in USN blue "TE", not tanked, sold 1.62 to Rogue Flying Services OR |
| Boeing B-17G/ PB-1W | N5237V | Bu77233 | 9.61-12.61 | - | purchased 27.9.61 ex Marson Equipment AZ ferried from AZ in USN blue "XD-2", not tanked, sold 12.61 to Calvin Butler OR |
| Boeing B-17G | N3509G | 44-85778 | 4.66-6.72 | E16 16 | purchased ex Leo Demers, Madras OR #97 sold 6.72 to Central Air Service, Rantoul KS |
| Boeing B-17G/ PB-1W | N5233V | Bu77231 | 6.71 to 6.75 | D1 18 | purchased ex Idaho Aircraft Corp, tanked traded .75 to USAF Museum delivered 6.75 from Chico to Eglin AFB FL |
| Boeing B-17G | N3702G | 43-38635 | 11.79 | - | purchased 1.11.79 ex TBM Inc #61 traded 11.79 to USAF Museum del. 26.11.79 Chico to Castle AFB CA |
| Grumman AF-2W Guardian | N3143G | Bu123088 | 6.62-2004 | - | purchased 6.62 tanked at Chico but installation unsatisfactory, not used operationally for fire bombing; stored Chico in original USN markings; sold 2004 as a warbird |
| Grumman AF-2W | N3144G | Bu123100 | 1962-1983 | E30 | retired Chico at end of 1973 fire season, made airworthy 74-75 at Chico as blue US Navy "123100/SK-30" for potential sale as a warbird, visited Confederate Air Force TX in 10.78, not sold, retired at Chico; traded 83 to US Navy Museum, NAS Pensacola FL |
| Grumman AF-2S | N9993Z | Bu126731 | by 1966-8.88 | - | not tanked, stored Chico original USN blue scheme, stripped for parts sold 8.88 to Confederate Air Force TX |
| Grumman AF-2S | N9994Z | Bu129233 | by 1966-1991 | - | not tanked, stored Chico original USN blue scheme, stripped for parts, traded .91 to Pima Air & Space Museum, Tucson AZ where displayed as tanker "N9995Z #E21" |
| Grumman AF-2S | N9995Z | Bu126792 | by 1966-1983 | E21 | retired Chico at end of 1973 fire season, donated c83 to EAA Foundation, Oshkosh WI |
| Grumman TBM Avenger | N9596C | Bu69361 | 1963-1965 | E19 | purchased ex P&B Aviation, Oroville CA #E19 sold .65 to Air Tankers Inc WY |
| Grumman TBM | N7239C | Bu91450 | by 1966-1971 | purchased ex Riverside Aircraft Co, Riverside CA sold .71 to David C.Tallichet/Yesterdays Air Force | |
| Grumman TBM | N9083Z | Bu53492 | 7.66-8.73 | E28 | purchased ex Riverside Aircraft Co CA #E63 gear-up landing 7.11.67 Red Bluff CA crashed 2.8.73 Chester CA, mid-air collision with USFS fire controller Cessna 310 N135Z |
| Grumman TBM | N5260V | Bu91726 | by 1966-1971 | purchased ex Riverside Aircraft Co CA #E65 sold c71 to Capitol Aire Inc, Carson City NV | |
| Grumman TBM | N6826C | Bu86244 | 1971 | purchased ex Idaho Aircraft Co, Boise ID refurbished Chico for resale to Canada sold c9.71 to Conair, Canada as CF-AGN | |
| Grumman TBM | N9590C | Bu53784 | 1971 | purchased ex Idaho Aircraft Co, tanker #D1 refurbished Chico for resale to Canada sold 4.72 to Conair, Canada as CF-AGL | |
| Grumman TBM | N1366N | Bu85594 | Leased 1973 | E60 | leased 1973 season ex TBM Inc, Tulare CA #E60 crashed 18.8.73 on takeoff Placeville CA |
| Grumman TBM | N3966A | Bu53319 | .80-1987 | - | purchased ex Charlie T. Jensen/Nevadair, no civil conversion, stored at Sacramento CA 1958-1980; ferried to Chico .81, stored Sold 5.87 to Anthony Haig-Thomas, UK ferried 5.87 to Grass Valley CA for restoration to military config., delivered 10.88 to Long Beach CA for shipping to Britain |
| Douglas A-26 Invader | N91281 | 44-39359 | by 66-3.70 | sold 3.70 to Conair, Canada as CF-BMR | |
| Douglas A-26 | N8395H | 44-34607 | c70-3.71 | purchased ex Stahmann Farms, Las Cruces NM stored in USAF markings Tucson 1958-68 sold 13.1.71 to Conair, Canada as CF-FBV tanked by AU at Chico, del. ex Chico 3.71 | |
| Douglas A-26 | N86469 | 43-22511 | 4.70-5.71 | F56 | purchased 4.70 ex Aero Flite, Troutdale OR #F56 dest. 4.5.71 during fire attack Springerville AZ |
| Douglas A-26 | N6838D | 44-35440 | 12.70-6.71 | Rock Island Consort 26 executive conversion sold 6.71 to Conair, Canada as CF-MSB | |
| Douglas A-26 | N4820E (1 | 44-35217 | 1972 | C29 | leased from Flight Enterprises Inc, Prescott AZ sold 1.73 to Canada |
| Douglas A-26 | N4820E (2 | 44-34738 | 4.74-11.74 | A13 | On Mark Marketeer executive conversion sold 11.74 to Air Spray, Canada as C-GWLU |
| Douglas A-26 | N8026E | 44-35323 | .69-5.70 | C55 | purchased ex Aero Flight, Troutdale OR #C55 leased 5.70 to Conair, Canada as CF-CDD returned .72 to AU as #C55 sold c74 to Bill Dempsay/Central Air Service |
| Douglas A-26 | N91356 | 44-34344 | 12.70-1974 | purchased as crash wreck ex Ames Applicator IA wreck stored Ames IA as parts source sold .74 to Canada as part of tanker A-26 sale | |
| Fairchild C-119C Flying Boxcar | N13742 | 49-194 | by 69-74 | sold .74 to Hemet Valley Flying Service, Hemet CA tanked for HVFS at Chico | |
| Fairchild C-119C | N13743 | 49-132 | by 69-74 | E12 | sold .74 to Hemet Valley Flying Service |
| Fairchild C-119C | N13744 | 49-199 | by 69-74 | E13 | sold .74 to Hemet Valley Flying Service |
| Fairchild C-119C | N13745 | 48-322 | by 69-74 | C14 | sold .74 to Hemet Valley Flying Service |
| Fairchild C-119C | N13746 | 48-352 | by 69-74 | sold .74 to Hemet Valley Flying Service, Hemet CA tanked for HVFS at Chico | |
| Grumman TS-2A Tracker | N408DF | Bu136495 | (75-80) | - | California Divison of Forestry contract Del. to Chico as parts source, stripped hulk by 80 |
| Grumman TS-2A | N444DF | Bu133148 | by 76-10.87 | 78 | Operated for California Divison of Forestry tfd c79 to Sis-Q Flying Service as #79 |
| Grumman US-2A | N412DF | Bu133251 | by 76-78 | 18 22 | Operated for California Divison of Forestry tfd .78 to Hemet Valley Flying Service as #78 |
| Grumman TS-2A | N404DF | Bu136399 | by 76-78 | 30 | Operated for California Divison of Forestry tfd .78 to Hemet Valley Flying Service as #80 |
| Douglas C-54 | N62295 | Bu50851 | 12.74-2005 | purchased 5.12.74 ex US Navy disposals at Davis Monthan AFB AZ no civil conversion, stripped for parts Chico by 77 derelict Chico "US Navy 50851", scrapped 2005 | |
| Douglas C-54 | N62296 | Bu91994 | 11.74-1.76 | 76 | purchased 25.11.74 ex US Navy disposals at Davis Monthan AFB AZ rereg 1.76 N76AU for US Bicentenary paint scheme |
| Douglas C-54 | N76AU | Bu91994 | 1.76-11.01 | 76 18 16 26 | ex N62296; N76AU #76 Spirit of America 76 retired as tanker at Chico 1990 painted olive drab USAAF Santa Monica Maid Sold 11.01 to Aero Flite Inc AZ as N3054V |
| Douglas C-54 | N62297 | Bu90402 | 11.74-12.05 | 14 | purchased 25.11.74 ex US Navy disposals at Davis Monthan AFB AZ Upgraded 2001 from 8 door tank new12 door system Sold 12.05 to Buffalo Airways, Canada as C-GBAJ |
| Douglas C-54 | N62342 | Bu56497 | 12.74-12.05 | 13 | purchased 13.12.74 ex US Navy disposals at Davis Monthan AFB AZ Sold 12.05 to Buffalo Airways as C-GBAK |
| Douglas C-54 | N65397 | 42-72539 | 3.76-8.79 | 15 | purchased 9.3.76 ex USAF disposals at Davis Monthan AFB AZ Sold 8.79 to Aero Trades Western as C-GCXG |
| Douglas C-54 | N3303F | 45-535 | 4.76-5.81 | 13 18 16 | Purchased 4.76 ex Dross Metals, Tucson AZ sold 5.81 to Conifair, Canada as C-GBNV |
| Douglas C-54 | N67109 | Bu50855 | 8.78-4.90 | 17 | crashed landing Chico 30.4.90 during training flight, destroyed by fire, 2k |
| Douglas C-54 | N11712 | 41-37297 | 2.77-3.00 | 02 | Sold 3.00 to Buffalo Airways, Canada as C-FBAJ |
| Douglas C-54 | N2742G | 45-636 | 6.82-12.05 | 15 | Purchased .82 at sheriff auction of seized aircraft Sold 12.05 to Buffalo Airways, Canada as C-FBAP |
| Douglas C-54 | N4218S | 45-635 | 4.81-8.88 | 18 | Purchased 4.81 ex C-FIQM, tanked at Chico leased to Ken Borek Air, Canada 1985-88 Sold 8.88 to Buffalo Airways, Canada as C-FIQM |
| Douglas C-54 | N4989P | 45-629 | 3.79-6.95 | 19 | Acquired via USAF Museum, registered 3.79 AU, crashed 21.6.95 Ramona CA after collision in circuit with USFS Beech Baron N156Z |
| Douglas C-54 | N3373F | 45-608 | 11.77-7.81 | 19 | Purchased 11.77 ex Dross Metals, Tucson AZ leased 81 to Air Distribution, Honolulu as freighter based Alaska 7.81 for fish hauling contract crashed 14.7.81 near Kenai AK after left wing separated due engine fire, 3k |
| Douglas C-54 | N51819 | 44-9055 | 1.78-7.79 | 17 | purchased 23.1.78 ex USAF disposals at Davis Monthan AFB AZ sold 7.79 to Joe Cooper |
| Douglas C-54 | N4994H | 42-72548 | 9.78-4.02 | 12 | purchased 30.9.78 ex USAF disposals at Davis Monthan AFB AZ, stored Chico, CofA 18.5.82 sold 4.02 to Buffalo Airways, Canada as C-FBAA |
| Douglas C-54 | N90201 | 42-72723 | 11.78-1.82 | - | purchased 7.11.78 ex USAF disposals at Davis Monthan AFB AZ, stored Chico ex USAF mkgs, sold 1.82 to Hona Caribbean Cargo, Grand Cayman |
| Douglas C-54 | N9020R | 42-72722 | 11.78-11.80 | - | purchased 7.11.78 ex USAF disposals at Davis Monthan AFB AZ, CofA 17.10.79, sold 11.80 to Tuky Air Transport, Puerto Rico |
| Douglas C-54 | N4989K | 44-9093 | 8.78-3.79 | - | purchased 14.8.78 ex USAF disposals at Davis Monthan AFB AZ, stored Chico 10.78 ex USAF markings, sold 3.3.79 to James J. Reid |
| Douglas C-54 | N90203 | 45-481 | 11.78-7.79 | - | purchased 4.11.78 ex USAF disposals at Davis Monthan AFB AZ, stored Chico sold 18.7.79 to North Star Leasing & Sales (later to Ken Spiva 10.83 as tanker #166) |
| Douglas C-54 | N9020N | 42-72716 | 11.78-11.80 | - | purchased 7.11.78 ex USAF disposals at Davis Monthan AFB AZ sold 2.5.79 to WMS Corp |
| Douglas C-54 | N4994D | 45-517 | 11.78-10.79 | - | purchased 7.11.78 ex USAF disposals at Davis Monthan AFB AZ impounded at Clayton AL, sold 2.10.79 at auction to Hayes International, Dothan AL |
| Douglas C-54 | N4994G | 42-72709 | 9.78-10.79 | - | purchased 30.9.78 ex USAF disposals at Davis Monthan AFB AZ, stored Tucson AZ sold 10.79 I. N. Junior Burchinal, Paris TX |
| Douglas C-54 | N4989N | 45-596 | 3.79-4.82 | - | purchased 3.79 ex USAF Museum, stored Chico sold 4.82 to Conifair, Canada as C-GBSK |
| Douglas C-54 | N4958M | 45-556 | 12.79-3.06 | - | Acquired via USAF Museum ex NASA N427NA, registered 2.80 AU, stored Chico Sold 3.06 to Buffalo Airways, Canada as C-FBAM |
| Douglas C-54 | N4958P | 45-637 | 10.79-3.81 | (17) | Acquired via USAF Museum ex NASA N432NA, registered 1.80 AU, stored Tucson AZ in NASA scheme 1980, Allocated AU tanker #17 but not operated, sold 3.81 to Conifair, Canada, del ex Chico 5.81 as C-GXKN still in NASA scheme, tail number 17 |
| Douglas C-54 | N87591 | Bu58506 | c80-3.81 | (16) | Purchased ex Hillcrest Aircraft, ID ex storage Allocated AU tanker #16 but not operated, sold 3.81 to Conifair, Canada as C-GBPA, tail number 16 |
| Douglas C-54 | N708Z | 45-614 | 3.84-3.86 | - | purchased 30.3.84 ex Rogmar Enterprises sold 20.3.86 to Sitka Sound Seafoods Inc AK |
| Douglas C-54 | N27MA | Bu50874 | 6.85-1.90 | - | purchased 3.6.85 ex Henry Oliver, Santa Fe NM, stored stripped Chico traded to USAF Museum for display McClellan, rest. as olive drab USAAF "272449", delivered 23.1.90 Chico to McClellan AFB CA |
| Douglas C-54 | N708Z | 45-614 | 9.89-4.90 | - | repurchased 30.9.89 ex Sitka Sound Seafoods AK sold 17.4.90 to Florida Aircraft Leasing Corp |
| Douglas DC-6B | N37574 | 44898 | c74-4.76 | 16 | ex United Airlines, purchased c74 tanked by AU, based Stockton 76 as tanker #16 sold 4.76 to Sis-Q Flying Services, Santa Rosa CA |
| Douglas C-118A | N118RR | 51-17639 | 1976-1977 | - | Leased ex Roy Reagan, Chico CA noted at Chico 8.76 ex USAF scheme Included in AU company fleet list 1.77 sold 8.79 to Unlimited Leasing, Miami FL. arrived Miami on delivery 6.8.79 |
| Douglas DC-6B | N6583C | 45219 | 10.81-2.82 | - | purchased 10.81 ex EG&G Inc, Las Vegas passenger seating visited Burbank CA 10.1.82 on a charter sold 2.82 to Sis-Q Flying Services, Santa Rosa CA |
| Douglas DC-6B | N6587C | 45379 | 10.81-6.82 | - | purchased 10.81 ex EG&G Inc, Las Vegas advertised for sale by AU 4.82 as 98 passenger seating or cargo, sold 6.82 to Aerolaska Inc, Fairbanks AK |
| Douglas C-118A | N204GB | 53-3292 | 3.83-7.84 | - | purchased 8.3.83 ex Desert Air Parts, Tucson AZ sold 7.84 to Northern Air Cargo |
| Douglas DC-7B | N842D | 45448 | .75-6.76 | - | purchased .75 ex Hemet Valley Flying Service, traded on the C-119Cs parked Stockton CA 74 planned to be tanked by AU for HVFS but not tanked stored at Chico by 3.76 sold 16.6.76 to La Grande Air Services, Oregon stayed at Chico, stripped for parts, derelict by 8.88 |
| Douglas DC-7B | N401US | 45145 | .75-3.76 | 97 | purchased .75 ex Hemet Valley Flying Service #97, traded to AU on C-119Cs, had been tanked by AU for HVFS sold 25.3.76 to Butler Aircraft Co, Oregon |
| Douglas DC-7C | N90802 | 45112 | .74-12.76 | 15 | purchased .74 ex ex Jolly Voyager Travel Club tanked by AU at Chico sold 12.76 to La Grande Air Services, Oregon |
| Lockheed SP-2H Neptune | N4602X | Bu147966 | 1.84-1987 | - | Registration reserved 13.1.84 AU stored in contractor's yard Davis Monthan AFB AZ sold c87 to South Georgia Tech College, ferried to Americus GA to become an instructional airframe |
| SP-2H Neptune Firestar | N716AU | Bu140963 | 4.86-2007 | 16 | purchased 2.4.86 as N142DP ex Allied Aircraft Sales, Tucson AZ rereg 8.87 N702AU, rereg 12.88 N90YY, rereg 4.89 as Firestar N716AU, retired Chico by 00 loan to Chico Air Museum by 2004, sold 10.07 to Bravo Airlines, Opa Locka FL broken-up for scrap at Chico 1.10 |
| SP-2H Neptune Firestar | N701AU | Bu145920 | 4.86-2007 | 01 | Registered N920AU 3.4.86 AU modified at Chico as prototype Aero Union Firestar rereg 9.86 as Firestar N701AU, retired Chico by 00 sold 10.07 to Bravo Airlines, Opa Locka FL broken-up for scrap at Chico 1.10 |
| SP-2H Neptune | N9AU | Bu135596 | 7.86-4.00 | - | Registered N9AU 1.7.86 AU stored in contractor's yard Davis Monthan AFB AZ sold 11.4.00 to Neptune Aviation Services, MT remained in storage yard, USN markings |
| SP-2H Neptune Firestar | N703AU | Bu147967 | 11.86-2.00 | 03 | purchased 3.11.86 as N967LH ex Allied Aircraft Sales, Tucson AZ rereg 8.87 as Firestar N703AU, sold 2.00 to Heliworks Ltds, Chile as CC-CHU departed Chico 2.00 on delivery to Chile |
| SP-2H Neptune Firestar | N718AU | Bu147964 | 11.86-2007 | 18 | purchased 3.11.86 as N964LH ex Allied Aircraft Sales, Tucson AZ rereg 6.87 as Firestar N718AU, retired Chico by 00 sold 10.07 to Bravo Airlines, Opa Locka FL |
| SP-2H Neptune | N713AU | Bu145903 | 11.86-2004 | - | purchased 3.11.86 as N903LH ex Allied Aircraft Sales, Tucson AZ rereg 8.87 N703AU, but no civil conversion stored Chico as USN "145903/LZ PL-3", broken-up for scrap at Chico c04 |
| SP-2H Neptune | N717AU | Bu147959 | 11.86-4.00 | - | purchased 3.11.86 as N959LH ex Allied Aircraft Sales, Tucson AZ rereg 8.87 N717AU, but no civil conversion stored in contractor's yard Davis Monthan AFB AZ sold 11.4.00 to Neptune Aviation Services MT remained in storage yard, US Navy markings |
| SP-2H Neptune | N702AU | Bu147968 | 11.86-2004 | - | purchased 3.11.86 as N968L ex Allied Aircraft Sales, Tucson AZ rereg 8.87 as N716AU, rereg 2.89 as N702AU, but no civil conversion stored Chico as USN "147968/LZ PL-6", broken-up for scrap at Chico c04 |
| SP-2H Neptune | N714AU | Bu148339 | 11.86-4.00 | - | purchased 3.11.86 as N339L ex Allied Aircraft Sales, Tucson AZ rereg 8.87 as N714AU but no civil conversion stored Chico as "USN 148339/LZ" sold 11.4.00 to Neptune Aviation Services, MT made airworthy at Chico, ferried to Alamogordo NM |
| SP-2H Neptune | N715AU | Bu148343 | 7.87-4.00 | - | purchased 7.87 as N343RR ex University of Nevada rereg 6.88 as N715AU but no civil conversion stored in contractor's yard Davis Monthan AFB AZ sold 11.4.00 to Neptune Aviation Services MT remained in storage yard, US Navy markings |
| SP-2H Neptune | N719AU | Bu150281 | 7.87-4.00 | - | purchased 7.87 as N281RR ex University of Nevada rereg 6.88 as N719AU but no civil conversion stored in contractor's yard Davis Monthan AFB AZ sold 11.4.00 to Neptune Aviation Services MT remained in storage yard, US Navy markings |
| SP-2H Neptune | N712AU | Bu150281 | 7.87-4.00 | - | purchased 7.87 as N283RR ex University of Nevada rereg 6.88 as N712AU but no civil conversion stored in contractor's yard Davis Monthan AFB AZ sold 11.4.00 to Neptune Aviation Services MT remained in storage yard, US Navy markings, became Neptune Aviation Services tanker N442NA |
| SP-2H Neptune | N720AU | Bu145917 | 7.87-1998 | - | registered 20.7.87 as N720AU AU stored in contractor's yard Davis Monthan AFB AZ struck-off Civil Register 25.6.98 airframe "US Navy LZ14" still in yard 2007 |
| SP-2H/B-69 Neptune | N980AP | Bu140980 | 9.94-2004 | - | purchased 15.9.94 ex North America Warbirds Museum, PA, stored Chico in USN markings broken-up for scrap at Chico c04 |
| Lockheed P-3A Orion Aerostar | N900AU | Bu151391 | 10.89-2013 | 00 | registered 12.10.89 as N180AU, rereg 4.90 N406TP for flight trials of GM Allison T406 turboprops, marked "GM-00"; rebuilt Chico 1991-92 as Aerostar tanker N900AU sold 17.11.13 to United Aeronautical Corp, CA |
| P-3A Orion Aerostar | N922AU | Bu151387 | 10.89-2013 | 22 | registered 3.10.89 as N181AU, rereg 7.93 N922AU rebuilt Chico 1992-93 as Aerostar tanker sold 17.11.13 to United Aeronautical Corp, CA resold 3.14 to Buffalo Airways, Canada |
| P-3A Orion Aerostar | N923AU | Bu151372 | 10.89-2013 | 23 | registered 3.10.89 N185AU, rereg 11.91 N923AU rebuilt Chico as Aerostar tanker sold 17.11.13 to United Aeronautical Corp, CA |
| P-3A Orion Aerostar | N927AU | Bu151369 | 10.89-2013 | 27 | registered 3.10.89 as N182AU, rereg 3.90 N927AU rebuilt Chico as Aerostar tanker sold 17.11.13 to United Aeronautical Corp, CA |
| P-3A Orion Aerostar | N925AU | Bu151361 | 10.89-2013 | 25 | registered 3.10.89 as N183AU, rereg 3.90 N925AU rebuilt Chico 1991 as Aerostar tanker sold 17.11.13 to United Aeronautical Corp, CA |
| P-3A Orion Aerostar | N924AU | Bu151359 | 12.89-10.91 | 24 | registered 12.89 as N184AU, rereg 10.90 N924AU rebuilt Chico as Aerostar tanker crashed 16.10.91 on travel flight near Missoula MT |
| P-3A Orion Aerostar | N921AU | Bu151385 | 12.89-2013 | 21 | purchased by AU, stored Chico 90-91 rebuilt Chico 1992 as Aerostar tanker registered 18.5.92 N921AU USFS, ownership tfd to AU 12.3.97 sold 17.11.13 to United Aeronautical Corp, CA |
| P-3A Orion Aerostar | N920AU | Bu150513 Spanish P.3-6 | 2001-2013 | 20 | registered 19.6.01 as N920AU AU, purchased ex Abilene Technical College TX previously Spanish Air Force P.3-6 code 22-25; rebuilt at Chico 2001 as Aerostar tanker sold 17.11.13 to United Aeronautical Corp, CA |
| P-3A Orion Aerostar | N926AU | Bu152731 | 2.97-4.05 | 26 | registered 10.2.97 as N926AU AU, rebuild completed Chico .99 as Aerostar tanker crashed 20.4.05 near Chico during pilot check flight |
| P-3A Orion | N917AU | Bu150510 Spanish P.3-5 | 2004-2013 | - | registered 1.10.04 as N917AU AU, purchased ex Hawkins & Powers Aviation, WY previously Spanish Air Force P.3-5 code 22-24; stored Chico in Spanish markings sold 17.11.13 to United Aeronautical Corp, CA |
| P-3A Orion | - | Bu151355 | 1990s | - | no civil conversion. stored Chico USN markings |
| P-3A Orion | - | Bu151377 | 1990s | - | no civil conversion. stored Chico USN markings |
| P-3AM Orion | - | Bu152186 Brazil 7202 | 2005-2009 | - | purchased c2005 by AU ex Davis Monthan AFB, formerly FA Brasileira 7202, rebuild Chico 2007 to Aerostar, not completed |
Photo by Richard Stratton via Ron Olsen collection
B-17G
N9323Z tanker #C17 at Redding CA September
1975.
Photo by Paul Veenboer
Photo by Paul Vanboer
Aero Union hoped to sell their AF-2W Guardian N3144G as a warbird. With retardant tank and plumbing removed and painted
in US Navy markings, it is seen visiting the October 1978 Confederate Air Force airshow at Harlingen Texas. No acceptable
offer was received and it was stored at Chico until 1983 when traded to US Naval Air Museum at NAS Pensacola.
Photo by John Chapman
in US Navy markings, it is seen visiting the October 1978 Confederate Air Force airshow at Harlingen Texas. No acceptable
offer was received and it was stored at Chico until 1983 when traded to US Naval Air Museum at NAS Pensacola.
Photo by John Chapman
Aero Union Douglas DC-6B N37574 tanker #16 at Boise Idaho during September 1975. Photo by Paul Veenboer
Aero Union C-54 N11712 tanker #02 at home base Chico CA during February 1981. Photo by Charles Stewart
Intriguing picture of US Navy C-54P 50851 in the storage rows at Davis Monthan AFB Arizona in May 1973, a year before
it was listed as sold to Aero Union Corp in December 1974. Yet it has been fitted with an unusual belly tank, indicating
that AU must have been given access to install a trial tank design before C-54 purchases. It was later ferried to
Chico as N62295 but not used as a tanker and stored. Photo by Paul Veenboer
it was listed as sold to Aero Union Corp in December 1974. Yet it has been fitted with an unusual belly tank, indicating
that AU must have been given access to install a trial tank design before C-54 purchases. It was later ferried to
Chico as N62295 but not used as a tanker and stored. Photo by Paul Veenboer
The same C-54P as the previous picture, at Chico in November 1990 in the Aero Union junk area. Photo by Geoff Goodall
Former NASA C-54G N4958P was allocated tanker #17, but had not entered AU service before being sold
to Conifair as C-GXKN. Seen at Oklahoma City 22 May 1981 on its ferry flight north to Canada.
Photo by Charles E. Stewart
to Conifair as C-GXKN. Seen at Oklahoma City 22 May 1981 on its ferry flight north to Canada.
Photo by Charles E. Stewart
the annual fish air freight season. Photo by Geoff Goodall
Seen at Aero Union Corp's home base Chico CA in October 1992. Photo by Geoff Goodall
Seen at Chico in October 1992. Photo by Geoff Goodall
before rebuilt as Aerostar N900AU tanker #00. Photo at Chico November 1990 by Geoff Goodall
SP-2H N713AU stored at Chico November 1990 in US Navy markings was intended to become "Firestar"
tanker #13 as hand-painted on the nose, but was stripped for parts and scrapped. Photo by Geoff Goodall
tanker #13 as hand-painted on the nose, but was stripped for parts and scrapped. Photo by Geoff Goodall
Commenced operations in 1986 with Douglas C-54 tankers acquired during the closing down of Globe Air Inc, which had operated heavy sprayers from Mesa-Falcon Field under previous name Aircraft Specialties back to 1960. Indications are that Air Response Inc took over the Globe Air company structure and FAA approvals but this has not been confirmed. Offered a range of pest spraying and oil slick dispersant application, mostly contracting to Government agencies.
Despite the similar company names both registered in Arizona, there appears to be no relationship between Air Response Inc and International Air Response Inc, Chandler AZ (Woody Gantham)
| Douglas C-54 | N438NA | 45-578 | 3.86 | | Purchased 6.3.86 ex Globe Air, Mesa as sprayer Operational 93, sold 21.8.09 to Brooks Air Fuel AK . |
| Douglas C-54 |
N67019 |
Bu50865 |
5.86- |
Purchased 29.5.86 ex Globe Air, Mesa as sprayer Stored Mesa AZ, parts ship for Brooks Air Fuel AK |
|
| Douglas C-54 | N67017 |
Bu39122 |
5.86 |
Purchased 29.5.86 ex Globe Air, Mesa as sprayer Stored Mesa AZ, parts ship for Brooks Air Fuel AK |
|
| Douglas C-54 | N99AS |
Bu56549 |
5.86 |
Purchased 29.5.86 ex Globe Air, Mesa as spare airframe Stored Mesa AZ, parts ship for Brooks Air Fuel AK |
N438NA was operational as a sprayer at Mesa in October 1987, still in former NASA paintwork. Photo by Gordon Reid
Air Tankers Inc, 6900 Airport Way, Seattle WA
| PBY-6A Catalina | N2846D | Bu64017 | 1963-1964 | E87 | purchased .63 ex Jaydon Enterprises CA #E87 sold .64 to Richard Gross, Yreka CA |
Air Tankers Inc, P.O.Box 246 Newcastle WY (1963-1966 USCRs)
Air Tankers Inc, Hangar 1, Casper WY (1963-1969 USCRs)
Air Tankers Inc, Maricopa AZ (1977 USCR)
Air Tankers Inc, Buckeye AZ (1977 USCR)
Air Tankers Inc was originally founded by Warren G. Voss, a Newcastle WY oil man who established a number of other business ventures including Air Tankers Inc The operation was later taken over by a partnership between experienced tanker pilots George H. Stell and Sergio A. Tomassoni.
They also operatedin Arizona as SS&T Aerial Contractors, Phoenix AZ.
Around 1965 Air Tankers Inc appears to have taken over the tanker business of Seeley Flying Service, Newcastle WY and Casper WY.
As well as fire bombing, the TBMs were used for seasonal forest spraying contracts in Canada.
In the early 1970s, the Wyoming-based business with its TBMs was sold to a new operation Firetankers Inc, Casper WY.
In 1976 Tomassoni merged with other tanker operators to form a new business T & G Inc (Tomassoni & Grantham) based at Chandler Memorial Airfield, Phoenix.
Other aircraft:
- Cessna 182 N8924X Air Tankers Inc, Casper WY
| Grumman TBM Avenger | N7027C | Bu53915 | 1.64-8.64 | purchased 24.1.64 ex Seeley Flying Service WY crashed 29.8.64 fire bombing Casper WY | |
| Grumman TBM | N6823C | Bu85636 | 1.65-5.67 | | purchased 5.1.65 ex Wen Inc, CA #E45 crashed 23.5.67 Upton WY while spraying |
| Grumman TBM | N9599C | 6728 | 12.63-5.71 | B14 | purchased 31.12.63 ex Plains Aero Service TX crashed 20.5.71 Mapleton IA: pilot's parachute deployed, covered tail control surfaces, while on ferry from Casper WY to New Brunswick, Canada for forest spraying contract |
| Grumman TBM | N9596C | Bu69361 | c1965-12.72 | B16 | purchased c65 ex Aero Union Corp CA tfd 27.12.72 to Firetankers Inc, Casper WY |
| Grumman TBM | N7002C | Bu85632 | c1965-1972 | B15 | purchased c65 ex Plains Aero Service TX tfd c72 to Firetankers Inc, Casper WY |
| Grumman TBM | N10361 | Bu53768 | c1969-1972 | B18 | purchased ex Seeley Flying Svce, Newcastle WY tfd c72 to Firetankers Inc, Casper WY |
| Grumman TBM | N17930 | Bu69531 | c1969-1.73 | B19 | purchased ex Seeley Flying Svce, Newcastle WY tfd 11.1.73 to Firetankers Inc, Casper WY |
| Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer | N3739G | Bu59819 | c1972-1977 | C30 | tfd ex SS&T Aerial Contractors, Phoenix AZ tfd 1977 to T&G Inc, Chandler AZ. USCR date 29.4.80 |
| Douglas DC-7B | N51701 | 44701 | 7.73-1977 | C01 31 | purchased 4.73 ex Maricopa Dust & Spray AZ tfd 1977 to T&G Inc. USCR date 29.4.80 |
| Douglas DC-7B | N4887C | 45351 | c1974-1977 | 33 | purchased ex Suns Travel Club tfd 1977 to T&G Inc, Chandler AZ. USCR date 29.4.80 |
| Douglas DC-7B | N1097 | 45342 | c1974-1977 | 32 | purchased ex Search Aviation tfd 1977 to T&G Inc, Chandler AZ. USCR date 29.4.80 |
Formed in 1995 by five Californian fire fighters with President John Wells, as a division of Wells Aviation, Hood River, Oregon.
John Wells was an experienced fire fighter and amphibian pilot, previously operating as Catalina Flying Boats, Long Beach CA with two Grumman Gooses and DC-3s.
AFA was created to be a specialised water bombing operation to compete with the normal chemical retardant tankers. Canadair CL-215s were initially considered but at second-hand prices of around $4M each, retired Canadian water bombing Catalinas were a much more economical proposition. They were equipped to scoop up to 1400 gallons of water during low pick-up runs across lakes. The partners went to Parry Sound, Ontario to inspect two retired Avalon Aviation Catalina tankers being offered for sale. C-FGLX, a Canadian built OA-10A Catalina equivalent to PBY-5A) with 1,000 gallon water tank had recently completed an annual inspection and was fitted with low time engines with new propellers. It was purchased and ferried to Carson City NV for US certification by Dennis Buehn's American Warbirds, being registered N322FA on 7 June 1996. It went into action as tanker #115 in July 1996 based at Orange County and using the numerous lakes and reservoirs across Southern California.
N322FA was lost on 1 August 1997 when John Wells was making his third water scooping run on the surface of San Vincente Reservoir. A nosewheel door had become unlocked, causing an implosion which split open the hull. The Catalina sank and Wells and his copilot were injured.
Being high fire season, it was quickly replaced by a PBY-6A tanker C-FPIU from the same source at Parry Sound, Ontario. It became N324FA and entered AFA service with the same tanker number #115, painted in the same bright red scheme with the slogan California Water Bomber.
After working through the following summer, AFA received insufficient contractual hours from California Department of Forestry to continue. The PBY-6A was sold on the warbird market.
Note: A 1989 USFS list of allocated tanker numbers shows #116 allocated to a presumably unrelated operator named Airborne Fire Attack for a Grumman HU-16T Turbine Albatross. It remained as a reservation only.
The only contender was HU-16E N70263 (c/n G-309) which was being rebuilt in 1995-1996 at Mesa AZ by Marsh Aviation with Garrett turbines as as a turboprop water bomber for an undisclosed buyer. Not completed and the partially converted aircraft was abandoned in the open at Mesa.
| OA-10A Catalina | N322FA | 44-34049 | 6.96-8.97 | 115 | purchased 7.6.96 ex C-FGLX tanker #792 crashed sank 1.8.97 San Vincente Reservoir CA |
| PBY-6A Catalina | N324FA | Bu64097 | 10.97-5.99 | 115 | purchased 10.97 ex C-FPIU #797 sold 20.5.99 to Commemorative Air Force TX |
still stored at Marsh Aviation, Mesa AZ in 2012, showing the turbine engine mounts
Owner and chief pilot Glen Higby modified a crop spraying Ford Trimotor N8407 as a fire bomber in 1955. Two 275 gallon tanks in tandem each with 9”x 20” bomb doors were installed, to carry a mixture of water and Sodium Calcite-borate, a maximum payload of 5500 lbs. Cables to the cockpit allowed the release of one or both tanks. Flight testing showed the Ford could lay a swath of retardant in a 70ft x 700ft area. In 1957, Higby made 74 drops on severe fires in the Payette and Boise National Forests in a Ford and is credited with bringing one of the fires under ciontrol.
The company had a second Ford N9612 which was also modified for fire bombing by 1957 with three 100 gallon tanks. It was flown by William Hadden on fires in Montana and Idaho. It was sold to Johnson Flying Service at Missoula MT who did trial water drops on 8 August 1957 before USFS dispatched it to eight fires that month.
Aircraft Service Co was still in business at Bradley Field, Boise by 1954.
| Ford 4-AT-E | N8407 | 69 | 7.55-5.58 | purchased 1.7.55 ex David Callender, Eagle ID as crop sprayer, converted to fire bomber 55 sold 22.5.58 to Johnson Flying Service MT | |
| Ford 4-AT-E | N9612 | 55 | 1956-1957 | reportedly conv. to fire bomber sold .57 to Johnson Flying Service MT which used it as a fire bomber 8.57 |
Aircraft Specialties Inc, 4600 East McKillops Road, Mesa AZ, later 2410 Airline Way, Falcon Field, Mesa, Phoenix AZ
Founded c1960 by Richard E. (Gene) Packard as a tanker operator based at Mesa-Falcon Field, Phoenix AZ
An associated spraying company at Mesa in the early 1960s was Desert Aviation Service, 2410 Airline Way, Mesa: appears to have merged with Aircraft Specialties Inc circa 1965 and shared the same postal address.
1963 USFS list of fire bomber contractors: Aircraft Specialties Inc, Prescott AZ, Willcox AZ & Beckwourth CA.
Merged 1963 with A.B. Sellards trading as Abe's Aerial Service, Stafford AZ. A new parent company was formed with name
Aviation Specialties Inc under the joint management of Gene Packard and Abe Sellards. Spraying and firebombing operations continued
under the name Aircraft Specialties.
During 1976 Aircraft Specialities reported that spraying fleet was deployed that year on large-scale contracts for budworm forest spraying in Maine and Georgia.
By 1977 some sections of the business, including B-17 fire bombers, was conducted under the name of associated company Globe Air Inc. Effective April 1981 a business reorganisation resulted in all operations transferred to Globe Air Inc. Abe Sellards and Gene Packard continued to manage the operation until 1985 when the decision was taken to close down. An auction sale of aircraft and assets valued at over $4M commenced on 24 October 1985 at Mesa-Falcon Field.
Sikorsky S-55 Whirlwinds:
During the 1960s large stocks of military disposals Sikorsky S-55 helicopters were acquired and rebuilt at Mesa as civil conversions. The modifications and improvements are detailed in Janes All The World Aircraft editions of the period. Demonstrators N455V and N4555Z were painted with "Aviation Specialities"titles by 1969. By 1980 an associated company was Helitec Inc, Mesa AZ.
The following S-55s were registered in the names of Aircraft Specialities Inc or Aviation Specialties Inc:
N91AS (c/n 55-646), N92AS (ex Bu130177), N455V (55-561), N455Z (ex Bu138512), N1255T (ex Bu138522), N2738 (55-1273),
N67036 (55-716), N67157 (55-661), N67158 (55-1202), N68397 (55-579), N7858 (55-989)
A collection of ex-military disposals helicopters was stored in a fenced compound near the company hangars at Falcon Field. The following stripped helicopter airframes were identified: (updated thanks to John Chapman)
- Sikorsky UH-19B Chickasaw in USAF markings: 0-13902, 0-13903, 0-13908, 0-13913, 0-13914, 0-13916, 13918, 0-13932, 0-139033, 0-13934, 0-13939, 0-13942, 13944, 13945, 13946, 0-13954, 0-13962, 0-13964, 0-13968, 0-27487, 27519, 0-27541, 0-27542,
0-27549, 0-27561, 0-27567, 0-27574, 27575, 0-27579, 0-27581, 0-27586, 27610, 0-27616, 34420, 0-34421, 0-34438,
0-34440, 0-34441, 0-34447, 34450, 0-34452. 34453
- Sikorsky (SNCASE) UH-19B Chickasaw in USAF markings: 66673
- Sikorsky UH-19D Chickasaw in US Army markings: 41416 (to Confederate Air Force as N6735), 53176, 53178, 53187, 53206, 53226,
61524, 61551, 61555, 61557, 666734, 61551, 61557, 71624, 71634, 75948, 75974 94974
- Sikorsky CH-19E in US Navy markings: 129022, 129030, 129033, 130149, 130164, 130212, 130258, 130263, 130264, 142430, 144252
- Sikorsky UH-19F in US Navy markings: 138585
- Sikorsky HO4S-3 in US Navy markings: 138590
- Piasecki CH-21 Workhorses in US Army markings: 62138, 562148, 2155, 2095, 2133
- Piasecki YH-16 Transporter: 01269
During 1978 the compound was cleared and the stripped hulks of at least 32 of these helicopters were moved by road to Chandler Memorial airfield, near Phoenix where they were stored in a fenced off area. Several additional S-55 types appeared in the compound and over following years this collection of helicopter airframes, engines and parts was dispersed.
Following the Globe Air closing down auction in July 1985, an additional auction was held at Falcon Field on 1 August 1986 offering the following as "Final liquidation of the Globe Air Helicopter Division":
Sikorsky S-55 N1255T, N75215, N75216, N2738, N7858 (all Garrett 331 turbine engine conversions).
Sikorsky S-58 N95954
Beech 18s:
- Aircraft Specialties Inc owned the following Beech 18s under their name:
Beech C18S N44581: (7993) by 1965, sold 5.12.68
Beech D18S N73548: (A-548) purchased 18.9.72 ex US Army disposals Davis Monthan AFB. Tfd 2.81 to Globe Air, sold 11.83
- Aviation Specialties Inc registered the following US Navy disposals SNB-5s in 1965:
N90297 (Bu39863), N90298 (Bu51045), N90299 (Bu51141): no civil conversion, stripped airframes in helicopter storage compound Mesa
- Desert Aviation Service registered the following US Navy disposals SNB-5s in 1963: only one civil conversion:
N2212S (Bu28386) CofA issued 17.3.66, sold .66 to John W. Coote, New Jersey.
Remainder no civil conversions:
N2205S (Bu39941), N2206S (Bu67344), N2207S (Bu39246), N2208S (Bu67263), N2209S (Bu29620), N2210S (Bu44655),
N2211S (Bu39945), N2213S (Bu89488), N2214S (Bu39865), N90250 (Bu26942)
Stripped SNB-5 airframes in the Mesa helicopter storage compound by 1971 were: Bu26942 (N90250), Bu39799, Bu29644
Former USAF C-45G 51-11903 marked "APCS" was a stripped airframe in Aircraft Specialties parking area Mesa in September 1968
PV-2 Harpoons: tanked for spraying with underwing spray bars, no indication Aircraft Specialties PV-2s were any used for fire bombing
C-121 Constellations: forest bud worm sprayers
Harpoons and Constellations flew annual seasonal low-level formation spraying of Canadian forests. A May 1973 report from Montreal Quebec recorded Constellations N711AS, N6228C and Harpoons N6718C, N7273C, N72707, N7486C transitting to spraying bases in Quebec and New Brunswick.
Other aircraft:
Boeing Stearman: N56716
North American T-28A N8098H by 1963 ex Max Biegert, Phoenic AZ. Sold 1966 to Lou Koffman at Aircraft Specialties Inc's address
Lockheed 18 Lodestar N1940S Dallaero (2509) purchased 11.68, maintained airworthy, sold 24.10.85 at Globe Air closing down auction for $38K to Scoben Investments Inc.
Lockheed 18 Lodestar N34E(2082) acquired c1973 ex Biegert Bros, Mesa AZ in u/s condition. parked complete but faded paintwork at Aircraft Specialties storage ramp Mesa 1974-1985. N34E and N141C blown together by windstorm mid 1980s.
Lockheed 18 Lodestar N141C (2002) acquired c1976 in u/s condition titles "Vistas Unlimited Inc, parked at Aircraft Specialties storage ramp Mesa 1976-1985. Sold 24.10.85 at Globe Air closing down auction for $400
Cessna 180 N4994A
| Grumman J2F-6 Duck | N67790 | Bu33587 | 3.61-11.64 | C07 | purchased 21.3.61 300 gallon liquid tank installed at Mesa 1.62 by Desert Aviation Service, flew as fire bomber in 1962,1963 & 1964 seasons, sold 20.11.64 |
| Grumman TBM Avenger | N9564Z | Bu91388 | 1962-1963 | C34 | purchased c62 ex Cisco Aircraft Inc, CA sold 1963 to Desert Aviation Services as sprayer |
| Grumman TBM | N9926Z | Bu91474 | by 1963-6.70 | E38 | registered by 1963 to Aircraft Specialties Inc crashed 6.6.70 during fire bombing near Boise ID, pilot baled out but k |
| Grumman TBM | N9927Z | Bu85869 | by 1963-1985 | C3 E39 C39 | registered by 1963 to Aircraft Specialties Inc remained with company until closure 1985 |
| Grumman TBM | N7850C | Bu69355 | 1965-10.67 | purchased 1965 ex Desert Aviation Service sold 12.10.67 to Ag Air, Dos Palos CA | |
| Grumman TBM | N9569Z | Bu91436 | 1965-1985 | - | purchased 1965 ex Desert Aviation Service acquired as stripped airframe: parts use only sold late 1980s to Tom Reilly Vintage Aircraft FL |
| Grumman TBM | N9590Z | Bu91733 | 1965-1985 | C25 | purchased c1965 ex Desert Aviation Service remained with company until closure 1985 |
| North American TB-25N Mitchell | N9117Z | 44-29199 | 11.65-1975 | C35 | tfd ex Abe's Aerial Service, Stafford AZ USCR date of ownership change 11.65 retired Mesa 66-75 sold .75 to warbird dealer |
| TB-25K Mitchell | N6123C | 44-86893 | 11.65-1977 | C34 | tfd ex Abe's Aerial Service, Stafford AZ USCR date of ownership change 11.65 retired Mesa 66-76 sold .77 to warbird dealer |
| Douglas A-26 Invader | N9301R | 44-35872 | by 1963-5.69 | C12 | registered by 1963 to Aircraft Specialties Inc crashed 16.5.69 on takeoff, Silver City NM |
| A-26 Invader | N9163Z | 44-34659 | 6.68-6.73 | purchased 27.6.68 ex David Voltz, Phoenix AZ sold 6.73 to Kenting Aviation, Canada | |
| Boeing B-17G Fortress | N9563Z | 44-83563 | 2.63-1985 | E24 C24 89 | purchased 23.2.63 ex Columbia Pictures remained with company until closure 1985 sold 24.10.85 at closing auction |
| Boeing B-17F | N17W | 42-29782 | 4.63-1985 | C84 C44 44 04 | tfd 17.4.63 ex Abe's Aerial Services AZ remained with company until closure 1985 sold 24.10.85 at closing auction |
| Boeing B-17G | N93012 | 44-83575 | 1965-1985 | 99 | salvaged .65 from Yucca Flats atomic test grounds Nevada where abandoned since 1952 tests, registered 5.5.65 Aircraft Specialties Inc named Lady Yucca remained with company until closure 1985 sold 24.10.85 at closing auction |
| Boeing B-17G | N3193G | 44-85829 | 3.66-7.86 | C34 34 | purchased 19.3.66 ex Biegert Brothers NE modified 1.68 from sprayer to fire tanker remained with company until closure 1985 sold 2.7.86 |
| Boeing B-17G | N620L | 44-85840 | 12.68-7.73 | C54 54 | purchased 12.68 ex Bolivia CP-620 dest. 12.7.73 while fire bombing, Eureka NV |
| Boeing B-17G | N621L | 44-85774 | 12.68-7.75 | C64 64 | purchased 12.68 ex Bolivia CP-621 crashed 15.7.75 fire bombing Cedar Breaks UT |
| Boeing B-17G | N9323R | 44-85828 | 5.78-11.80 | 37 | purchased 18.5.78 ex Kinney Air Tankers MT donated 11.80 to Pima County Air Museum, Tucson AZ, delivered ex Mesa 11.80 |
| Boeing B-17G | - | 44-83722 | 5.65-1985 | - | arrived Mesa 5.65 by road ex atomic test grounds Nevada where abandoned since 1952 tests, stripped for spares hulk sold 24.10.85 at closing auction |
| Boeing S307 Stratoliner | N19903 | 2003 | 5.69 | purchased 28.5.69 at US Marshal auction ferried 9.69 Shreveport LA to Mesa AZ, stored planned conversion to sprayer not commenced traded 8.72 with Smithsonian Institute for C-121C N73544, ferried .73 Mesa-Davis Monthan AFB for temporary display at Pima County Air Museum | |
| Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon | N6718C | Bu37449 | 3.63-1980 | purchased 29.3.63 last report Mesa 10.79 in service, spraybars cancelled from US Civil Register 5.11.80 | |
| PV-2D Harpoon | N7454C | Bu37633 | 8.64-1985 | purchased 17.8.64 CofA 26.8.64 after mods to agricultural category remained with company until closure 1985 sold 24.10.85 at closing auction | |
| PV-2 Harpoon | N7268C | Bu37129 | 2.66-1985 | purchased 2.2.66, retired Mesa 77 remained with company until closure 1985 sold 24.10.85 at closing auction, remained at Mesa ownership reverted to Gene Packard Mesa 2008 | |
| PV-2 Harpoon | N7273C | Bu37211 | 2.66-1985 | purchased 28.2.66 ran off runway Macon GA 20.5.69 struck three parked aircraft (repaired) remained with company until closure 1985 last flight Mesa 29.8.85, sold 24.10.85 at auction | |
| PV-2 Harpoon | N6855C | Bu37466 | 10.66-1985 | remained with company until closure 1985 last flight Mesa 22.6.85, sold 24.10.85 at auction | |
| PV-2 Harpoon | N6852C | Bu37490 | 10.66-1983 | last report Mesa 10.78 spraybars, fate unknown cancelled from US Civil Register 24.10.83 | |
| PV-2 Harpoon | N7269C | Bu37502 | by 1968-1985 | no civil conversion, stored Mesa by 1968 stripped, USN blue paintwork "37502 NAS Glenview/Grosse Ile/Los Alamitos", airframe sold 3.85 to Confederate Air Force | |
| PV-2D Harpoon | N7415C | Bu84064 | 9.67-7.84 | purchased 21.9.67 ex Zelair Corp OH sprayer sold 7.84 to Confederate Air Force crashed 1.5.85 Mesa AZ during CAF test flight | |
| PV-2D Harpoon | N230Z | Bu84059 | c1967-4.75 | purchased c67 ex freighter crashed 28.4.75 landing Addison TX | |
| PV-2 Harpoon | N7486C | Bu37419 | c1968-1985 | purchased c68 ex Kay Barricklow IL remained with company until closure 1985 last flight Mesa 30.8.85, sold 24.10.85 at auction | |
| PV-2 Harpoon | N72707 | Bu37492 | 1969-1985 | purchased in 1969 ex Colombian freighter modification to ag spreader completed 10.70, modification to insecticide sprayer 6.71, remained with company until closure 1985 last flight Mesa 31.8.85, sold 24.10.85 at auction | |
| PV-2 Harpoon | N7414C | Bu37462 | 3.80-1985 | purchased 4.3.80 ex Michigan Aerial Applicators remained with company until closure 1985 sold 24.10.85 at closing auction | |
| PV-2 Harpoon | N6857C | Bu37250 | 3.80-1985 | purchased 4.3.80 ex Michigan Aerial Applicators remained with company until closure 1985 sold 24.10.85 at closing auction | |
| PV-2 Harpoon | N7483C | Bu37202 | 3.81-1985 | purchased 4.3.81 ex Dothan Aviation AL sprayer remained with company until closure 1985 last flight Mesa 29.8.85, sold 24.10.85 at auction | |
| Lockheed VC-121B Constellation | N608AS | 48-0608 | 9.72- | purchased 26.9.72 ex Aero Tech, Tucson AZ registered 26.5.73 N608AS, converted to sprayer remained with company until closure 1985 | |
| Lockheed VC-121B Constellation | N611AS | 48-0611 | 9.72-11.81 | purchased 6.9.72 ex Aero Tech, Tucson AZ converted to sprayer sold 11.81 to Argo SA, Dominican Republic as HI-393, delivered via Miami 26.11.81 | |
| Lockheed C-121C Super Constellation | N73544 | 54-156 | 8.72-12.82 | issued 17.8.72 ex USAF disposals Davis Mothan AFB, exchange with Smithsonian Institute for Boeing Stratoliner N19903 registered 26.3.73 N73544, in service by 5.73 as insecticide sprayer parked at Chandler Memorial AZ 1979-1982 sold 12.82 to Constellation Historical Society | |
| Lockheed 1049H Super Constellation | N6937C | 4830 | 2.73-1985 | purchased 12.2.73, converted at Mesa to sprayer retired Mesa after 1975 season, stored Mesa remained with company until closure 1985 sold 24.10.85 at closing auction to Paul Pristo, to Save-A-Connie Inc, Kansas City MO as flier | |
| Lockheed 1049C Super Constellation | N6228C | 4536 | 3.73-3.79 | purchased 20.3.73, converted at Mesa to sprayer retired Mesa after 1975 season, stored Mesa sold 3.79 to Aerotours, Dominican Republic as HI-329, delivered via Miami 8.4.79 | |
| Lockheed 1049G Super Constellation | N173W | 4674 | 3.73-6.73 | purchased 8.3.73, converted at Mesa to sprayer crashed destroyed 9.6.73 after take off at Casey, Quebec on forest chemical spraying mission | |
| Lockheed 1049H Super Constellation | N45516 | 4840 | 11.73-5.75 | purchased 16.11.73 at auction of abandoned aircraft at Anchorage AK, del. Anchorage-Mesa 8.74, converted at Mesa to sprayer crashed 11.5.75 after take off Mesa AZ | |
| Lockheed 1049H Super Constellation | N45515 | 4843 | 8.73-1977 | parts use only purchased 8.73 stored u/s at Kingman AZ stripped for parts, scrapped at Kingman 1977 | |
| Douglas C-54 | N67024 | Bu50871 | 12.74-1985 | purchased 13.12.74 ex US Navy disposal at Davis Monthan AFB AZ, registered 3.75 to AS converted to insecticide sprayer at Mesa remained with company until closure 1985 sold 24.10.85 at closing auction to Environmental Aviation Services, Bourg LA as sprayer | |
| Douglas C-54 | N67019 | Bu50865 | 1.75-1985 | (157) | purchased 21.1.75 ex US Navy disposal at Davis Monthan AFB AZ, registered 4.75 to AS converted to insecticide sprayer at Mesa ferried to UK via Azores-Hurn 27.3.78 for ocean oil slick spraying for AMOCO, returned via Bangor ME 7.4.78; planned conv. to fire bomber and USFS tanker #157 painted on tail, but not used; remained with company until closure 1985 sold 29.5.86 to Air Response Inc, Mesa AZ |
| Douglas C-54 | N67018 | Bu56544 | 2.75-1985 | (156) | purchased 21.2.75 ex US Navy disposal at Davis Monthan AFB AZ, no civil conversion, stored Mesa as parts source in US Marine Corps markings "QF" remained with company until closure 1985, sold 24.10.85 at closing auction to Wiley Sanders dba Sanders Lead Co, Troy AL |
| Douglas C-54 | N67017 | Bu39122 | 3.75-1985 | 155 | purchased 5.3.75 ex US Navy disposal at Davis Monthan AFB AZ, registered 3.75 to AS, retired Mesa 10.78 with damaged nose section, repaired CofA renewed 15.4.81 remained with company until closure 1985 sold 29.5.86 to Air Response Inc, Mesa AZ |
| Douglas C-54 | N98AS | Bu50854 | 7.75-10.78 | (154) | purchased 3.7.75 ex US Navy disposal at Davis Monthan AFB AZ, registered 31.12.75 to AS sold 10.10.78 to Tuky Air Transport, Puerto Rico |
| Douglas C-54 | N99AS | Bu56549 | 7.75-1985 | | purchased 3.7.75 ex US Navy disposal at Davis Monthan AFB AZ, registered 31.12.75 to AS, not made operational as a fire bomber, remained stored with company until closure 1985 sold 28.5.86 to Air Response Inc, Mesa AZ |
| Douglas C-54 | N438NA | 45-578 | 3.81-1985 | purchased 3.81 ex NASA, converted to sprayer remained with company until closure 1985 sold 6.3.86 to Air Response Inc, Mesa AZ | |
| Douglas C-54 | N811E | 45-627 | 7.81-1985 | purchased 7.81 ex Helitec Corp, Tucson as registered 8.81 N88945 to AS, rereg 10.82 N811E remained with company until closure 1985 sold 24.10.85 at closing auction to James R. Blumenthal, Kingman AZ | |
| Douglas C-118 | N44916 | 51-5830 | 6.76-10.79 | purchased 23.6.76 ex USAF disposal at Davis Monthan AFB AZ, no civil conversion stored Mesa in USAF markings "15830", sold 10.79 to Patrick W. Mortiarty, Tacoma WA | |
| Douglas C-118 | N44917 | 53-3262 | 6.76-2.78 | purchased 23.6.76 ex USAF disposal at Davis Monthan AFB AZ, no civil conversion stored Mesa in USAF markings, sold 2.78 to Rhoades International as N140JR | |
| Grumman S-2F Tracker | N5830H | Bu136666 | 12.84-1985 | Purchased 7.12.84 ex Japan Maritime Self Defence Force disposals. Registered 12.84 to Globe Air no civil conversion sold 15.9.86 to Marsh Aviation, Mesas AZ | |
| Grumman S-2F Tracker | N5830D | Bu136668 | 12.84-1985 | Purchased 7.12.84 ex Japan Maritime Self Defence Force disposals. Registered 12.84 to Globe Air no civil conversion sold 15.9.86 to Marsh Aviation, Mesas AZ |
Photo by Neil Aird
Photo by Paul Veenboer
the fuselage indicate it had recently been used for fire bombing. Photo by Geoff Goodall
turn-arounds at USFS attack bases. The flight crew are being signalled that loading is completed.
Photo by Geoff Goodall
October 1978, before reverting to natural metal with different coloured noses. Photo by John Wegg
Lockheed
PV-2 N6855C sprayer at Mesa in October
1979.
Photo by Geoff Goodall
US Navy blue with faded markings "37502 NAS Glenview, Grosse Ile, Los Alamitos". Photo by John Chapman
Photo by Geoff Goodall
Aircraft
Specialties C-54 N67024 with over-wing spraybars, at Mesa AZ October
1979. Photo by Geoff Goodall
Aircraft Specialties Douglas C-54 sprayer N67019 at Mesa in October 197
Although assigned USFS tanker #157, it was never used as a fire bomber. Photo by Geoff Goodall
Although assigned USFS tanker #157, it was never used as a fire bomber. Photo by Geoff Goodall
Seen outside the Globe Aero company office at Mesa in November 1981. Photo by Geoff Goodall
Airspray and Skyspray operated heavy aircraft for insecticide spraying to combat medfly infestations in fruit orchards.
| Douglas B-18B Bolo | N2801D | 36-277 | 11.55-2.60 | | purchased 7.11.55 Heckathorn operated by Skyspray in Florida sold 2.60 to Mexico |
| Boeing 247D | N7777B | 1688 | 4.58-1962 | purchased Airspray Inc 2.4.58 ex Jesse Bristow, Miami FL tanked for spraying. Retired. Struck-off USCR 26.10.70 | |
| Fairchild C-82A Packet | N4832V | 44-23026 | 3.56-8.56 | purchased 6.3.56 Heckathorn chemical tank and plumbing installation 1.6.56, operated by Skyspray Inc crashed 8.8.56 landing Boca Raton FL, during fruit fly spraying | |
| Fairchild C-82A | N4833V | 44-23031 | 1956-1959 | leased 1956 ex M&W Aircraft Leasing operated by Skyspray Inc | |
| Fairchild C-82A | N4834V | 44-57733 | 1956-1959 | leased 1956 ex M&W Aircraft Leasing operated by Skyspray Inc1956-1959 | |
| Fairchild C-82A | N4835V | 45-57736 | 1956 | leased 1956 ex M&W Aircraft Leasing sold 12.56 to Mexico | |
| Fairchild C-82A | N4829V | 44-23029 | 3.56-1962 | purchased 6.3.56 Heckathorn chemical tank and plumbing installation 1.6.56, operated as sprayer with "SkySpray Inc" titles Sold 5.1.62 to Ewell K. Nold TX |
It had just been modified to a Steward Davis Jet Packet 3400 with jetpak on roof. Photo by Eddie Coates
Airway Inc, PO Box 451, Yakima WA. Also known as Richardson's Airway Inc.
An associated company of Richardson Aviation Inc, Yakima.
Ralph R. Richardson set up his own business at Yakima in 1950 after flying crop spraying for others. One of many aerial agricultural operators serving the fruit and field crops of the Yakima Valley in Washington State.
Airway Inc was the agricultural business while Richardson Aviation was a FBO, flight school and charter managed by his wife Gini.
Although the TBMs were used mostly for spraying, some fire bombing was conducted
Airway Inc gained annual contracts in Canada spraying forests for budworm and other pests.
In 1967-1968 Ralph Richardson flew his TBM N7032C on a spraying contract in Israel also olive tree plantations in Greece.
Ralph Richardson continued flying crop dusting until he was 70.
Other aircraft:
Boeing Stearman N1153N, N4762N, N4813V, N4814V, N63070
Stinson L-5 Sentinel N68840
Snow 600 N1763S
| Grumman TBM Avenger | N7031C | Bu53484 | 2.61-6.70 | 111 | purchased 23.2.61 crashed in trees 21.6.70 while forest spaying near St Martins, New Brunswick, Canada |
| Grumman TBM | N7032C (1 | Bu53637 | by 1961 | crashed 9.7.61 on takeoff Idaho City ID on fire fighting operations | |
| Grumman TBM | N7032C (2 | Bu85460 | by 1962-c1974 | 112 | sold c74 to Hillcrest Aircraft, Lewistown ID |
Airway Inc Grumman TBM-3 N7032C (the second) at Yakima WA July 1962 while spraying forest budworm infestations,
prior to being allocated USFS fire tanker #112. Photo by Peter W.Orr/ USFS
prior to being allocated USFS fire tanker #112. Photo by Peter W.Orr/ USFS
Photo: nbavengers.com
Established by Jack Folz
Circa 1963 took over the operations of Bellroy Air Tankers, Los Angeles. Bellroy had introduced the North American AJ-1 Savage as a heavy fire bomber in 1960 when they had two AJ-1s rebuilt at Long Beach Airport with a 2000 gallon retardant tank, auxiliary jets removed and re-engined with uprated P&W Double Wasp R2800-CB16s with water injection. Both were painted white and orange with blue cowlings.
N9143Z crashed into a North Hollywood residential area after takeoff from Burbank in September 1966 loaded with retardant slurry. Pilot Jack Hennessey was killed but managed to miss housing and put the aircraft down through backyards and vacant lots. The repercussions of this accident caused the company to cease operations. The other Savage was left parked in the weather at Burbank until scrapped in 1972.
| North American AJ-1 Savage | N9142Z | Bu124158 | 1963-1967 | E77 | retired at Burbank CA 1967-72, scrapped 1972 |
| North American AJ-1 Savage | N9143Z | Bu124167 | 1963-9.66 | E88 | crashed 17.9.66 after take off from Burbank Airport |
| PBY-5A Catalina | N9505C | Bu34027 | by 1964-1967 | 9 | sold c67 |
An agricultural spraying operation which may have been involved in fire bombing
| Beech C-45G | N9898Z | 51-11727 | by 1963-1965 | | sold c65 to Hamilton Aircraft Co, Tucson AZ |
| Douglas A-26 | N91356 | 44-34344 | by 1966-12.70 | gear collapsed landing 28.6.69 at Ames IA after mosquito spraying, wreck stored at Ames IA until 1974 although sold 12.70 to Aero Union Corp as a parts source |
| North American TB-25L Mitchell | N3512G | 44-30456 | 12.59-3.60 | D36 | purchased 12.59 ex Hamilton Aircraft, Tucson AZ conv. to fire tanker 12.59 tfd 3.60 to R.H.Hickish, Pico-Rivera sold .64 back to Hamilton Aircraft Co, Tucson AZ |
Photo: http://napoleon130.tripod.com/northamericanb25mitchell
AquaAir Inc, 3500 Airport Road, Alomordo NM
Founded in 1996 as a new-start family-owned fire tanker operation by Charles H. and Mary Hainline.
Based at Alomogordo Airport, where a successful Neptune tanker business was operated by Arnold Kolb's Black Hills Aviation.
Charlie Hainline advertised that AquAir's 5 employees had between them over a 100 years of aviation experience.
Modification of their first Neptune N4692A (yellow tanker #48) was completed in 2000, fitted with a constant-flow retardant tank. In a leasing arrangement with Minden Air, this Neptune tanker was operated by Charles Hainline for Minden Air from 2001 before changing ownership to Minden Air in 2007 .
Other aircraft:
- Grumman HU-16C Albatross N70252 (ex Bu142362): purchased 3.04 as a stripped airframe in a contractors yard at Davis Monthan AFB,
made ferriable and delivered to Alomorgordo NM where seen parked in faded US Navy markings by 2007. Restored and sold by 2012.
- Grumman HU-16B Albatross N85303 (ex USAF 51-5303): purchased 6.04 airworthy, sold 11.04
| Lockheed SP-2H Neptune | N4692A | Bu148357 | 10.97-2.07 | 48 |
purchased 8.10.97 ex Mid Atlantic Air Museum, Reading PA as "US Navy 148357/PL-6", stored Harlong FL, tanker conv. at Jacksonville FL leased 2001-07 to Minden Air NV as tanker #48, sold 2.07 to Minden Air Corp NV |
Arbor Inc, Columbus NE.
Established circa 1979 by Eino William Warra, an experienced propliner pilot, as an agricultural operation.
Probably connected with El Marc Air also at Columbus NE, which took over the two C-119Ls.
By 1983 Arbor Air Inc was quoting addresses at Laredo TX and Ypsilanti Michigan.
By 1989 William Warra was based at Opa Locka Florida operating DC-6s ands DC-7s as Gomes and Warra Aircraft Inc.
| Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon | N7272C | Bu37276 | 8.80-5.88 | |
purchased 6.8.80 sold 5.88 to Hirth Air Tankers, Buffalo MT |
| Lockheed PV-2 | N7670C | Bu37472 | 8.81-1987 |
purchased 8.81 sold .87 to Hirth Air Tankers, Buffalo MT | |
| Fairchild C-119L Flying Boxcar | N37484 | 53-3144 | 3.81-5.81 | purchased 18.3.81 ex Dross Metals, Tucson AZ sold 5.81 to El Marc Air, Columbus NE | |
| Fairchid C-119L | N37483 | 53-7884 | 3.81-5.81 | purchased 18.3.81 ex Dross Metals, Tucson AZ sold 5.81 to El Marc Air, Columbus NE | |
| Douglas C-54 | N67221 | Bu50856 | 12.82-2.83 | purchased 16.12.82 ex Bud's Flying Service NE sold 2.83 to Louis Minkoff, Ypsilanti MI | |
| Douglas DC-7B | N1097 | 45342 | 4.83-6.84 | purchased 29.4.83 ex T&G Inc, Phoenix AZ #82 del. to Miami 13.9.83, based at Opa Locka FL sold 5.6.84 to Arrow Air |
ARDCO Inc, Tucson AZ
Name based on "Aerial Retardant Delivery Company".
ARDCO was a 1981 restructure of the fire tanker operator WAIG Aircraft Inc, Tucson AZ by the surviving WAIG partners.
WAIG Aircraft Inc had been formed in 1976 based on the initials of the four partners, former pilots with Hawkins & Powers Aviation in Wyoming:
Ken White, Clyde Alford, Roger Iverson and Gary Garrett.
- WAIG Aircraft Inc designed and built its own 2,000 gallon 8-tank under-belly retardant tank delivery system, initially with hydraulic activation. Further development led to electric activation systems controlled from a cockpit console. ARDCO carried out the conversion for other C-54 tanker operators, including Aero Flite's N96358.
- In a tragic accident on 2 December 1980, Clyde Alford and his copilot were killed when WAIG C-54 N96449 #118 collided mid-air with WAIG C-54 N406WA #119 near Palm Springs CA. Kenny White and Gary Garrett in the damaged #119 were able to make an emergency landing at Palm Springs CA. Their C-54 was repaired and returned to WAIG service.
WAIG Aircraft Inc was reformed during 1981 as ARDO Inc with initial principle officers Ken White and Gary Garrett, both Captains on C-54 tankers.
Kenny White retired in 1991, and in 1996 Gary Garrett and his wife Meegan (a C-54 copilot) bought out Roger Iverson's share in the company.
Gary and Meegan operated the business until C-54s were no longer contracted by the USFS.
ARDCO's base at Tucson-Ryan Field was badly damaged by a storm on 23 July 1998 when the WWII vintage wooden hangar was destroyed. The company had three new buildings erected as office, workshop and parts store.
In August 1999 at the closing-down auction of Catalina tanker operator SLAFCO in Washington, ARDCO successfully bid for a stock of Wright R-2600 Twin Cyclone power plants. N406WA had been re-engined with R-2600s back in 1977 when tanked by WAIG Inc, but no other ARDCO C-54s were fitted with these more powerful engines.
For the 2001 fire season:
Bases: Redding CA and Lancaster-Fox Field CA
Director of Maintenance: Pete Taylor
Captains include: Gary Garett, Gary Towle, Steve Howland,
Copilots incude: Meegan Garrett, Pierre Delvoix, Todd Tomkins,
Flight engineers include: Terry Wood, Dave Lahn, Barry Sandberg
ARDCO appears to have ceased flying by 2005. In 2002 an ARDCO pilot reported that a USFS bureaucrat had helpfully suggested that they should re-engine their C-54s with turboprops.
| Douglas C-54 | N406WA | 45-491 | 1981-12.07 | 119 | Tfd 11.81 ex WAIG Aircraft Inc (Wright R-2600s) sold 12.07 to Florida Air Transport |
| Douglas C-54 | N460WA | 44-9133 | 1981-2.10 | 151 | Tfd 11.81 ex WAIG Aircraft Inc sold 2.10 to Florida Air Transport |
| Douglas C-54 | N8502R | Bu90411 | 1981-1983 | 165 | Leased from Kenneth Spiva, Stockton CA for 1981-1983 seasons at least, tanked .81 with WAIG design belly tank returned to Spiva, leased to Hemet Valley 85 season |
| Douglas C-54 | N9015Q | 43-17228 | 4.82-10.08 | 152 | Purchased 4.82 ex Dept of Justice seizure tanked with WAIG design belly tank sold 10.08 to Air Elite Corp TX |
| Douglas C-54 | N95589 | 43-17185 | 1.89-2005 | - | Purchased 18.1.89 ex Henry Oliver parts source, stripped at Tucson-Ryan Field bu 8.89, derelict in faded Seagreen paint scheme, later scrapped. struck-off USCR 12.5.05 |
| Douglas C-54 | N82FA | 45-507 | 11.89-8.94 | 153 | Purchased 27.11.89 ex Tom Kehmeler tanked with WAIG design belly tank sold 9.8.94 to Aero Flite inc, Kingman AZ |
| Douglas C-54 | N49451 | 42-72617 | 3.92-2008 | - | Purchased 3.92 ex Western Aircraft Sales ARDCO parts source, stripped at Tucson-Ryan Field AZ, derelict, faded US Marines markings, last reported 2008 |
more powerful P&W R-2600 Twin Wasp engines. Photo by Geoff Goodall
from its VIP transport days, including the painted square window shape. Photo by Geoff Goodall
This view of N8502R shows the belly 2000 gallon retardant tank and drop doors of the WAIG Aircraft Inc design
Photo by Geoff Goodall
Photo by Geoff Goodall
Photo by Geoff Goodall
Operated the first military-surplus Grumman F7F Tigercats converted to fire tankers for several seasons in the early 1960s. When Bud Davis established Sis-Q Flying Service in 1963 at Montague CA with F7F tankers, Fred Arnberg was listed as a partner
Other aircraft:
Cessna T-50 Bobcat N49445 (1963-1971) restoration project with Ralph Ponte at Grass Valley CA in 1976
| Grumman F7F-3 Tigercat | N7655C | Bu80418 | by1961-9.61 | E20 | First F7F modified as a tanker crashed 1.9.61 near Sacramento CA while fire bombing |
| Grumman F7F-3 | N7625C | Bu80536 | 2.62-9.62 | E22 | purchased 27.2.62 crashed 24.9.62 near Callahan CA |
| Grumman F7F-3 | N6179C | Bu80494 | by 1963-3.65 | E21 E23 | sold 30.3.65 to Sis-Q Flying Service, Montague CA |
Photo by Warner E. Stewart via Bill Bailey collection
A.V. Aircraft Co, PO Box 603, Lancaster CA and Deming NM
Associated with A.V. Pest Control Co, PO Box 603, Lancaster CA
Insecticide spraying operation which took its name from Lancaster being in the Antelope Valley district north of Los Angeles.
Other aircraft:
Boeing Stearman: N53403, N53476, N62863
Vultee BT-13: N57234
| Grumman TBM | N66475 | Bu69344 | c1965-c1971 | | purchased c65 ex Ball Ralston OR sprayer sold c71 to Hemet Valley Flying Service CA |
Photo by Barney Deatrick
Morris and Rita Avery, Greybull WY.
Shortly after the end of World War II, Morris Avery trained for his pilot licence at Greybull with instructor Mel Christler. By 1949 Avery was working for Lynch Flying Services at nearby Billings, Montana flying their Cessna T-50 Bobcats on pest spraying and grass hopper baiting.
During 1949 Morris Avery and Mel Christler decided to become partners in their own chemical application business and formed a new company Christler and Avery Aviation Co, Greybull WY (details under Christler Flying Service in part 2 of this series).
The two partners built up the operation to gain extensive freight and support work for the US Forest Service, purchasing heavy aircraft such as Douglas B-18s, US Coast Guard surplus Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateers and USAF surplus North American B-25 Mitchells for spraying and fire bombing. Christler and Avery Aviation Co introduced the first helicopters for commercial work in the region, their first being a Bell 47 delivered to Greybull by Morris Avery, the beginning of a substantial rotary wing division.
In 1961 Mel Christler left Greybull to take up a corporate pilot position. Morris Avery purchased his share in the business and the company was reformed in August 1961 under the name Avery Aviation Inc, Greybull WY.
Avery Aviation continued the same operations of fire bombing, pest spraying and fire-ant baiting contracts, but increased the helicopter fleet for spraying and general charter. Heavy-lift helicopter work including forest logging was undertaken with three military surplus Kaman H-43 Huskies. When Morris Avery was suffering health problems, Privateer tanker pilot Gene Powers recruited experienced helicopter instructor Dan Hawkins from Texas to join the company to look after the rotary wing division.
During 1961 Avery Aviation branched into a short-lived passenger airline with Beech 18 N9306Z operating as Sage Airlines. Services were flown between Greybull and other northern Wyoming towns to Casper WY but patronage was disappointing and services ceased. N9306Z was converted with a chemical tank in the cabin and wing spraybars to join two other Beech 18s on pest spraying contracts.
Morris Avery died in 1965 following complications after leg surgery. His widow Reba managed the company with the help of pilots Dan Hawkins and Gene Powers. In 1969 she sold the company to them and it was renamed Hawkins & Powers Aviation Inc.
Avery Aviation Inc helicopters: most registered in the aerial agriculural and fire fighting categories:
Bell 47 N73211, N73217
Hiller UH-12 N9748C, N9727C, N9754C, N5369V, N5389V, N9733C, N5343V
Fairchild Hiller FH1100 N435FH
Kaman HH-43A Husky N2843J (ex 58-1823) purchased 20.2.68 ex Rosenbalm, sprayer. Tfd 6.69 to Hawkins & Powers Aviation
Kaman HH-43A Husky N2856J (ex 58-1840) purchased 20.2.68 ex Rosenbalm, sprayer. Tfd 6.69 to Hawkins & Powers Aviation
Kaman UH-43C Husky N3910 (ex Bu146321) Avery by 1968. Tfd 6.69 to Hawkins & Powers Aviation
Avery Aviation other aircraft:
PA-18 Super Cub N3293Z, N3285Z, N4411Z, N4498Z
Cessna 180 N3642C, N8698X, N5059E
Cessna 195 N2083D
Mooney M20 N8386E, N6937U
|
Douglas B18B Bolo |
N52056 | 37-29 | 8.61-6.69 | B20 |
tfd 8.61 ex Christler and Avery Aviation Co tfd 6.69 to Hawkins and Powers Aviation Inc |
| Consolidated PB4Y-2G Privateer | N7974A | Bu66306 | 8.61-7.68 |
tfd 8.61 ex Christler and Avery Aviation Co destroyed 22.7.68 struck mountain McGrath AK during fire bombing ops, 4 k | |
| PB4Y-2G Privateer | N2870G | Bu66304 | 8.61-6.69 | B22 |
tfd 8.61 ex Christler and Avery Aviation Co tfd 6.69 to Hawkins and Powers Aviation Inc |
| PB4Y-2G Privateer | N2871G | Bu66302 | 8.61-6.69 | A20 B21 |
tfd 8.61 ex Christler and Avery Aviation Co tfd 6.69 to Hawkins and Powers Aviation Inc |
| PB4Y-2G Privateer | N2872G | Bu66300 | 8.61-6.69 | B24 |
tfd 8.61 ex Christler and Avery Aviation Co tfd 6.69 to Hawkins and Powers Aviation Inc |
| PB4Y-2 Privateer | N7962C | Bu66306 | 8.61-6.69 | B26 |
tfd 8.61 ex Christler and Avery Aviation Co tfd 6.69 to Hawkins and Powers Aviation Inc |
| PBY-2 Privateer | N3431G | Bu66313 | 8.61-6.69 | - |
tfd 8.61 ex Christler and Avery Aviation Co. no civil conversion, US Navy paint, stripped hulk |
| PB4Y-2G Privateer | N7620C | Bu66260 | c1965-6.69 | B23 | purchased c65 ex Big Piney Aviation WY tfd 6.69 to Hawkins and Powers Aviation Inc |
| PBY-2 Privateer | N1911H | Bu59792 | 1969 | C31 | leased ex Flight Enterprises AZ to replace N7974A destroyed 3.9.69 struck trees after retardant drop on fire, Big Horn National Forest WY, near Greybull |
| North American TB-25N Mitchell | N8195H | 44-30748 | 8.61-1968 |
tfd 8.61 ex Christler and Avery Aviation, sprayer sold .68 to Filmways Inc for movie Catch 22 | |
| VB-25N Mitchell | N3699G | 44-30801 | 8.61-1968 |
tfd 8.61 ex Christler and Avery Aviation, sprayer sold .68 to Filmways Inc for movie Catch 22 | |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N2849G | 44-30077 | 8.61-1968 |
tfd 8.61 ex Christler and Avery Aviation, fire bomber and sprayer sold .68 to Filmways Inc for movie Catch 22 | |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N9582Z | 44-30607 | 8.61-9.63 |
tfd 8.61 ex Christler and Avery Aviation, sprayer hopper & spray bars installed 2.61, removed 11.61, sold 9.63 to Desert Aviation, Phoenix AZ | |
| Beech C-45G | N9306Z | 51-11653 | 8.61-6.69 | Passenger services 61 as Sage Airlines, then sprayer tfd 6.69 to Hawkins and Powers Aviation | |
| Beech C-45H | N9533Z | 52-10804 | 8.61-6.69 |
tfd 8.61 ex Christler and Avery Aviation: sprayer tfd 6.69 to Hawkins and Powers Aviation Inc | |
| Beech C-45F | N7391C | 44-87201 | 8.61-6.69 |
tfd 8.61 ex Christler and Avery Aviation: sprayer tfd 6.69 to Hawkins and Powers Aviation Inc |
nose section of various innovative in-house designs. N7962C in Navy midnight blue paint, seen at Greybull in
July 1959 just after its delivery flight. It went on to a 40 year air tanker career. Photo by Milo Peltzer
This trial drop was right on target to hit the two fuel drums! Photo: US Forest Service
This Mitchell is still flying today as a warbird. Photo by Milo Peltzer
Photo by Geoff Goodall
Back to the Warbirds Directory
